Latest news with #DavidHuerta
Fox News
an hour ago
- Politics
- Fox News
SEIU leader charged with 'conspiracy to impede an officer' for protesting ICE raid
California labor leader David Huerta, 58, was released from federal custody on Monday on a $50,000 bond after being charged with "conspiracy to impede an officer." Huerta, the president of Service Employees International Union California (SEIU) was arrested during an anti-ICE protest in Los Angeles on Friday. Huerta was photographed wearing socks and carrying shoes following his release from custody. He told reporters he did not intend to get arrested, and the only way to win change is through nonviolence. "This fight is ours, it's our community's, but it belongs to everyone," Huerta said in Spanish, according to the Associated Press. "We all have to fight for them." Huerta was arrested while law enforcement officers were executing a federal search warrant at a Los Angeles business suspected of hiring illegal immigrants and falsifying employment papers, a special agent for Homeland Security Investigations, which is part of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, wrote in a federal court filing obtained by the AP. SEIU represents 750,000 members in 17 local unions across 58 counties, according to its website. Among the members are "nurses, healthcare workers, janitors, social workers, security officers, in-home caregivers, school and university employees, court workers, and city, county and state employees." While SEIU International President April Verrett said on Monday that the labor union is "relieved" that Huerta is free, she added his arrest only drew attention to a larger issue. "Thousands of workers remain unjustly detained and separated from their families. At this very moment, immigrant communities are being terrorized by heavily militarized armed forces. The Trump regime calling in the National Guard is a dangerous escalation to target people who disagree with them. It is a threat to our democracy. The federal government should never be used as a weapon against people who disagree with them," she said in a statement. "America is a nation of immigrants. Immigrant workers are essential to our society: feeding our nation, caring for our elders, cleaning our workplaces, and building our homes," Verrett added. "Immigrants are scientists, they are teachers and professors. They are our co-workers, neighbors and family members. They deserve our respect and they need their constitutional rights respected."
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
At a troubled fashion company, workers found community. Then ICE came
Saraí Ortiz's father Jose worked 18 years for Ambiance Apparel, rising to become a floor manager at the sprawling fast-fashion warehouse in downtown Los Angeles. His tenure ended Friday, when federal authorities raided the company, arresting Jose Ortiz and more than 40 other immigrant workers as Saraí watched. "You know this is a possibility all your life, but then when it happens, it plays out differently than what you think," she said Monday, standing in front of the wrought iron fencing of Ambiance's parking lot. Ambiance was one of four businesses raided by ICE on Friday, igniting a weekend of civil unrest that has led to the controversial deployment of the National Guard and active-duty Marines in Los Angeles. It was also the site of the arrest of labor leader David Huerta, who was released Monday on a $50,000 bond. Ortiz was joined at a protest Monday by other families of those detained, making a public plea for help and due process. Many of the wives and children of those taken by ICE — all men — have had little or no contact with their loved ones. Even lawyers have been denied access, they said. Read more: Union leader David Huerta released from custody Many are also from the Indigenous communities in the central Mexican region of Zacatecas. They have formed tight bonds as they started new lives in Los Angeles, including helping others to find jobs at Ambiance, a company that has a history of run-ins with federal law enforcement, but also one that provided steady work for immigrants, including Ortiz. "Ambiance complies with the law when it hires employees and it has always only hired people it believes have the legal right to work in the United States," said Benjamin Gluck, a lawyer representing Ambiance. "We have reached out to the government to try to learn more about this raid but have not yet learned anything more about it. Ambiance will continue to both follow the law and support its employees, many of whom have been with us for decades." Although it's unclear why Ambiance Apparel was targeted in the recent operation, the company landed on the radar of federal authorities more than a decade ago. In 2014, law enforcement authorities executed dozens of search warrants as part of an investigation into money laundering and other crimes at Fashion District businesses. Federal authorities seized nearly $36 million in cash from Ambiance and the company's owner, Sang Bum 'Ed' Noh, according to a 2020 news release from the U.S. attorney's office in L.A. The company, which was incorporated in 1999, was described by prosecutors as an importer and exporter of textiles and garments from China, Vietnam, Cambodia and elsewhere. Among its customers were retail apparel chains and people who owned small businesses, mostly in Mexico. Its goods can also be found on Amazon, and in Walmart. Federal prosecutors filed charges against Ambiance Apparel and Noh in 2020, accusing them of undervaluing imported garments and avoiding paying millions of dollars in tariffs to the U.S. Among those investigating Ambiance and Noh were Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as well as local law enforcement agencies including the Los Angeles and Long Beach police departments. The company was also accused of failing to report cash payments to employees. The government contended that Ambiance employees received "approximately 364 payments of more than $10,000 over a two-year period," totaling more than $11 million. But the company failed to file the required reports on those cash transactions to the federal government, prosecutors said. That same year, Noh pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of subscribing to a false tax return. Ambiance Apparel — the operating name for two corporations, Ambiance U.S.A. Inc. and Apparel Line U.S.A., Inc. — pleaded guilty to eight counts, including conspiracy, money laundering and customs offenses. In 2021, Noh was sentenced to a year in prison 'for scheming to undervalue imported garments and avoid paying millions of dollars in duties to the United States, failing to report millions of dollars in income on tax returns, and failing to report large cash transactions to the federal government,' prosecutors said in a news release. Noh 'made defrauding the United States a significant revenue stream for Ambiance, appropriating approximately $35,227,855.45 from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Internal Revenue Service in less than four years,' prosecutors said in a sentencing memo. "While [Noh] was cheating the United States and facilitating money laundering, he enjoyed a house in Bel Air, bought luxury cars, and squirreled away bundles of cash worth $35 million in shoeboxes and garbage bags," prosecutors wrote. The company was sentenced to five years' probation and was ordered to implement an effective anti-money laundering compliance and ethics program with an outside compliance monitor. That monitorship was set to end in October of this year. Despite those troubles, the company, and its employees, seemingly continued to thrive. Montserrat Arrazola's father, Jorge, is another of those workers detained Friday. She said her father is the family's "breadwinner," and without his paycheck, there are "hard times coming" for her and her three brothers. Read more: No, Dr. Phil wasn't present at L.A. ICE raids, but he taped interview with Trump's border advisor But it's the pain of separation that hurts her the most. Her family was able to speak to Jorge once, and he told them to stay calm. So Montserrat, a college student who wants to become a social worker, is trying. She talked instead about their recent family outing, when they all tried bowling, and how her dad is charismatic and caring. "He's a family man and he gives all his time to his family," she said. But not being able to contact those detained is stressful, said Carlos Gonzalez. His older brother Jose was also taken by ICE and like others at the protest, Gonzalez called for due process rights. Gonzalez and his brother had gone camping at Sandy Flat in Sequoia National Forest just the weekend before the raid, a rare chance for them to spend time together. Carlos said he received a call from a cousin Friday, and went to Ambiance, but couldn't reach his brother in the chaos. So Gonzalez went to the Metropolitan Detention Center downtown, but was told there were too many people to process, and was unable to get further information. He went back the next morning to try to bring his brother a sweater, because "you don't know if it's cold in there," he said. But he was told his brother had been moved to Santa Ana. That is the last he has heard. His family is caring for Jose's dog Coffee, a 100-plus pound chocolate lab and pit bull mix who cries when Jose isn't near, and working with a lawyer. But there is not much else they can do except wait, and speak out. "I want people to know that this was inhumane," Gonzalez said. "They were just working." Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘We're ready to fight': Portlanders rally after arrest of California union leader
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Union Portlanders are still 'fired up' after the arrest and most recent release of David Huerta was arrested last week during what's being called a peaceful anti-ice protest in Los Angeles, California. He has since been released but still faces felony charges. Portland ICE facility saw increased police presence during weekend protests Following Huerta's arrest, President Donald Trump sent the California National Guard to L.A. He most recently sent 700 U.S. Marines to 'protect' ICE agents in California. The president called the move 'law and order' on social media. The heat in Portland Monday afternoon didn't stop members of SEIU Local 503 from showing their support for Huerta. 'We are here to stand by everybody's rights for their first amendment, to be able to protest and speak out against this administration,' Johnny Earl, president of Local SEIU 503, said at Monday's protest. Protestors said while they're celebrating Huerta's release, they're still outraged with decisions coming down from the federal level. 'This is an attack, and it feels scary,' Marcia Schneider said. 'This rally happened at a moment's notice, show up now. Yes, Portland can show up now and we're getting better at it…We're ready to fight.' Portland City Councilor Angelita Morillo spoke to KOIN 6 News at Monday's rally. 'When one of our immigrant brothers and sisters are taken away, we all have to show up and support. As the only immigrant on city council, I feel a special connection to this issue. Today was a good day, we actually get to celebrate his release, and so we hope that's the case with many more,' Morillo said. Monday's protest remained peaceful, but people at the rally told KOIN 6 News they're always ready for the potential that federal officials are sent here if things get out of hand. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
SF rally for state labor leader arrested in LA
The Brief SEIU California leader David Huerta released on bond after being arrested in LA Protesters say he should not be facing charges Feds say Huerta blocked car carrying federal agents Several hundred people rallied in San Francisco on Monday to protest the arrest of David Huerta, the president of SEIU California, three days after he was taken into custody in Los Angeles. "Free David Huerta!" the crowd chanted across from the Federal Building in San Francisco. Huerta was among dozens arrested in response to immigration raids by the federal government. What we know Hours after the rally, the union posted a photo on social media showing Huerta out of custody after he was released on bond following a federal court hearing in Los Angeles. Huerta must return to court at a later date. Those at the protest said the Trump Administration has gone too far and that Huerta should not be facing charges. "The hypocrisy is ridiculous. It must stop. And we're gonna tell the administration, get out of California. We don't want them here," said Kim Tavaglione of the San Francisco Labor Council. Huerta said he was simply exercising his rights to observe law enforcement activity. "If you care about free speech, if you care about the First Amendment, I urge you to speak out, to be out in the street, to defend our right to protest," said Yajaira Quapio of United Educators of San Francisco. The other side But federal prosecutors in Los Angeles said Huerta was among those who blocked a car carrying federal agents and that no one has the right to impede officers conducting their duties. Labor officials say this is a momentous time which calls for action. "Make no mistake. History is being written right now. And as the old union hymn goes, 'Which side are you on?' " said Abel Fuaau of Stationary Engineers Local 39. Robert Sandoval of Teamsters Local 350 said, "We're immigrants who pay their taxes. Our law-abiding citizens follow the rules and regulations, yet detained and treated as criminals. That is not America!" Henry Lee is a KTVU reporter. E-mail Henry at and follow him on Twitter @henrykleeKTVU and The Source KTVU reporting
7NEWS
6 hours ago
- Politics
- 7NEWS
US immigration riots: Why are people protesting in LA?
Hundreds of Marines and an additional 2000 National Guard members have been deployed to control the riots in Los Angeles, according to US officials. LA police have also ordered protesters to go home after days of violent demonstrations, causing the entire downtown area to go into lockdown. The unrest was sparked by US President Donald Trump's move to crack down on illegal immigration and tighten the country's border security. So, why have his orders been met with a huge backlash? A big part it, some might argue, is the role that ICE has played in all this. What is ICE? ICE, or Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is a division of the US Department of Homeland Security. It is responsible for enforcing immigration laws by detaining, deporting, and convicting unauthorised immigrants. As part of Donald Trump's immigration crackdown during his second term in office, ICE has ramped up its enforcement actions. On June 4, it arrested 2200 people which, according to NBC, is the most people ever arrested by the agency in a single day. But according to three sources familiar with the arrests, hundreds of those arrested had been enrolled in ICE's Alternative to Detention (ATD) program, which releases undocumented immigrants who are not deemed a threat to public safety. Following their release, these immigrants are tracked through ankle monitors, smartphone apps or other geolocating programs, along with periodic check-ins at ICE facilities. These LA ICE raids have also raised concerns over agents wearing masks and their lack of accountability using federal force in domestic affairs. How did the protests start? The protests started last Friday, when ICE agents raided the LA Fashion District and detained people suspected of being undocumented immigrants at their workplace. The arrest of over 100 people at multiple sites fuelled protests at the Metropolitan Detention Center. According to Homeland Security Investigations, 'approximately 44 people' were administratively arrested, and one person was arrested on an obstruction charge. President of the Service Employees International Union David Huerta was among those arrested for interfering with federal officers, according to LA-based attorney Bill Essayli. On Saturday, as word of the ICE raid spread, demonstrations continued at the heavily Latino city of Paramount, and its neighbour, Compton. Protesters attempted to again block Border Patrol vehicles near a Home Depot store in Paramount, with some hurling rocks and chunks of cement. Federal agents in response unleashed tear gas, flash-bang explosives and pepper balls. Trump signed a memo to deploy 2000 National Guard members to protect officers conducting immigration raids, contrary to the wishes of Governor of California Gavin Newsom, who accused the US president of a 'complete overreaction'. Newsom also condemned the raids, calling them 'chaotic federal sweeps' that aimed to fill an 'arbitrary arrest quota'. The escalation of tensions on Sunday triggered the deployment of 300 National Guard troops to guard federal detention centre Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown LA. Vehicles were set alight and officers in riot gear used flash-bang grenades and pepper spray to control crowds. LAPD declared the demonstration in downtown Los Angeles an unlawful assembly and ordered protesters to leave. On Monday, Trump ordered an additional 2000 National Guard members to be deployed in LA as well as 700 Marines. California has also filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, asking a judge to declare the call-up of National Guard troops unconstitutional and for the court to halt future deployments. Trump is the first president in 60 years to deploy the National Guard without that state's request. In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote, 'If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can't do their jobs' and that 'the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved'.
