The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) has expressed strong disapproval over the arrest and injury of SEIU-USWW President David Huerta. Huerta was reportedly assaulted and detained by federal agents while he was observing an ICE raid in Los Angeles.
David Huerta, known for his advocacy for immigrant workers, was hospitalized after being slammed to the ground. He now faces a federal charge for “conspiracy to interfere with federal agents.” The IUPAT views this as an attempt to intimidate the labor movement rather than a pursuit of justice.
“This is a disgrace,” stated IUPAT General President Jimmy Williams, Jr. “David was exercising his First Amendment rights and standing with the very people our movement is built to protect. Now he’s in a hospital bed, facing a federal charge, because he dared to witness and speak out. That should scare every one of us.”
Williams emphasized that these actions are not just against one union or leader but against all working people and their rights. He further stated, “We stand with David and demand that the charges against him be dropped immediately. This union doesn’t back down, and we don’t leave our people behind. David, we’ve got your back, and we’ll be standing with you every step of the way.”
For more information, contact Ryan Kekeris at 443-936-5095 or [email protected].
