US prosecutors dismiss case against labor leader Huerta

Federal prosecutors moved on Monday, July 27, 2026, to dismiss a criminal case against prominent California labor leader David Huerta, who was arrested more than a year ago while protesting a federal immigration enforcement operation in Los Angeles. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California filed a motion to drop the misdemeanor obstruction charge, marking a complete reversal from an initial felony accusation.

Huerta, president of SEIU California and SEIU-United Service Workers West, was arrested on June 6, 2025, during a demonstration outside a business where Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were executing a search warrant. Video from the protest circulated widely, showing a masked law enforcement officer shoving Huerta to the ground before he was handcuffed. Authorities alleged Huerta sat in front of a vehicular gate, encouraged others to walk in circles to block officers, and pushed back when an officer attempted to move him.

In a statement following the government's motion, Huerta said the Justice Department was finally admitting the charge was baseless and meant to intimidate critics. He asserted he was tackled, pepper-sprayed, and detained...