SF takes to the streets to protest ICE raids, demand Huerta's release
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A protester holds up a "No Gulag America" sign at Monday's protest demanding labor leader David Huerta's release. Photo: Shawna Chen/Axios
Amid escalating anti-immigration efforts, labor unions are warning San Franciscans that no one is safe from the Trump administration.
Driving the news: David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union-United Service Workers West, was arrested in Los Angeles Friday while serving as a community observer at a worksite immigration raid.
- He has been charged with conspiracy to impede an officer for allegedly blocking a law enforcement vehicle.
The latest: Over 100 people packed the street in front of the Hiram W. Johnson State Building at noon Monday, calling for Huerta's release and an end to raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
- The rally was among over 30 spearheaded by local unions across the country.
What they're saying: "It's so painful to know that this can happen to any one of us," SEIU Local 87 president Olga Miranda, who organized the protest, told Axios. "All he was doing was standing there to make sure enforcement wasn't brutal."
Between the lines: Immigrants have played critical roles in California unions over the last few decades, especially in the Bay Area, which has seen success organizing janitors, health care workers and fast food employees.
- "Everybody should be worried ... . They're offended by our mere existence," Miranda said, referencing her identity as a brown Chicana woman. She noted that many people are increasingly scared to show up to work because of potential raids.
Yes, but: Miranda emphasized that while exercising First Amendment rights is important, she does not condone "anything being set on fire" in light of Sunday's protests, where multiple Waymos were set on fire.
The big picture: San Francisco police arrested over 150 people for vandalism and assault Sunday after an anti-ICE protest turned violent.
- The police presence at Monday's rally was notable, but officers mostly stood on the sidelines and in some cases engaged protesters in conversation.
What's next: Organizers anticipate more protests throughout the week.