Seattle protest at City Hall: California union president’s arrest sparks action
Jun 9, 2025, 1:20 PM | Updated: 3:23 pm
A photo of a protest for the arrest of SEIU president outside of Seattle City Hall. (Photo: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio)
(Photo: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio)
A protest took place outside Seattle City Hall on Monday in response to the arrest of David Huerta, president of California’s Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Huerta was arrested last week for allegedly conspiring to impede an officer during a demonstration, according to The Associated Press.
KIRO Newsradio was on the scene and provided details about what happened throughout the protest.
Union members march on Seattle City Hall to protest arrest of union leader is Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/iv0TpO38e6
— James L. (@James_KIRORadio) June 9, 2025
SEIU protest at Seattle City Hall
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“There are several hundred protesters here after marching a few blocks from the SEIU headquarters, chanting ‘No hate, no fear. Immigrants are welcome here,'” KIRO Newsradio reporter James Lynch said.
The protesters wanted SEIU president David Huerta released and all charges dropped. The protesters also wanted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to stand down.
According to SEIU member Sylvia Liang, Huerta’s arrest was unjust.
“ICE action against the union leader and workers is another fear tactic by this administration aimed at silencing workers and anyone who dares to speak out against injustice,” Liang told KIRO Newsradio.
Another SEIU member, Nikkie Lee, claimed the arrests were an abuse of power by the Trump administration.
“The trump administration has gone way too far. This is an abuse of power that tarnishes our democracy. We demand David Huerta be released,” Lee said.
Liang believed Huerta’s arrest was a scare tactic.
“ICE’s action against a union leader and workers is another fear tactic by this administration aimed at silencing workers and anyone who dares to speak out against injustice,” Liang said.
KIRO Newsradio noted that he has yet to see a police presence, as the protest has been peaceful as of this reporting.
Huerta’s arrest
Huerta was arrested on Friday and federally charged with felony conspiracy to impede an officer, which carries a maximum penalty of up to six years in federal prison, according to NBC LA.
Federal agents conducted search warrants at businesses suspected of employing undocumented immigrants, and several protesters, including Huerta, showed up at the site.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Huerta deliberately obstructed law enforcement’s access to the site by blocking vehicles.
“Huerta was confronted by a law enforcement officer who tried to move him out of the way and, when he refused to move, pushed him to the ground and took him into custody, the complaint said,” according to NBC LA.
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