On Friday, June 6, 2025, Los Angeles witnessed a deeply disturbing violation of constitutional rights. Federal immigration enforcement actions resulted in the detention of numerous community members, including parents in front of their children and workers going about their daily lives—spreading fear and trauma across immigrant neighborhoods.

Among those impacted was labor leader and SEIU California President David Huerta, who was violently arrested while exercising his First Amendment right to protest the use of excessive force against immigrant families and workers. Mr. Huerta sustained injuries, required hospitalization, and remains in custody—despite the clear constitutional protections afforded to peaceful demonstrators.
We reaffirm our commitment to protecting immigrant families and defending the constitutional rights of all people to live, work, and raise their children without fear.

We join voices across the state and nation in demanding David Huerta’s immediate release and a full investigation into the conduct of federal officials. The right to protest, to assemble, and to speak out against injustice is fundamental to our democracy. No one should face violence or detention for standing up for their community.

Statement attributable to Shimica Gaskins, President and CEO of GRACE & End Child Poverty CA