The recent arrest of a prominent California labor leader has galvanized immigrant rights activists nationwide, who are demanding his release and calling for an end to President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement policies.

David Huerta, 58, president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California, was taken into custody on Friday while participating in a protest outside a Los Angeles business under federal investigation for immigration-related violations. Federal authorities said the business was suspected of employing undocumented workers and falsifying records. Huerta was released on a $50,000 bond following a federal court hearing in Los Angeles on Monday.

Supporters across the country rallied in response to Huerta’s arrest, organizing demonstrations in cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Boston. In Boston’s City Hall Plaza, hundreds chanted “Free David, free them all,” as they voiced opposition to immigration raids and enforcement tactics.

Born and raised in Los Angeles County, Huerta has been a longtime advocate for labor and immigrant rights. His arrest has become a symbol of resistance against the Trump administration’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants, and has drawn attention to the deep relationship between Democratic leaders and SEIU California, which represents over 750,000 janitors, security personnel, and service workers.

Speaking to reporters after his release, Huerta said he had not intended to be arrested and emphasized the need for peaceful protest. “This fight belongs to all of us,” he said in Spanish. “We must all stand up for our communities.”

Tensions had been building in Los Angeles in recent days following reports of ICE raids. Protests escalated after President Trump authorized the deployment of the National Guard. Over the weekend, thousands took to the streets, blocking a major freeway, clashing with law enforcement, and setting fire to autonomous vehicles. Police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.

According to a federal court filing by a Homeland Security Investigations agent, Huerta was part of a crowd outside the business shouting at officers. He reportedly sat in front of a gate to block access and urged others to walk in circles to disrupt the federal operation. The filing states that officers instructed Huerta to move and attempted to physically guide him away before he pushed back. He was then taken to the ground and arrested.

U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli issued a strong statement on social media: “Let me be clear: I don’t care who you are — if you impede federal agents, you will be arrested and prosecuted. No one is above the law.”

Huerta’s attorney, Marilyn Bednarski, has not publicly responded to the charges.

Several Democratic leaders have intervened, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and California Senators, who sent a letter demanding answers from federal authorities. Congressman Adam Schiff also appeared at Huerta’s bond hearing. “It is alarming to see a respected community leader arrested for simply exercising his rights to observe and protest,” the senators stated.

Huerta has been with SEIU for over 25 years and was elected president of the statewide chapter in 2022. Under the Obama administration, he was honored for launching programs to support immigrant union members, including English-language courses.

SEIU confirmed that Huerta was injured during his arrest and condemned the immigration raids, vowing to continue fighting for workers’ rights and immigrant protections.