Federal Prosecutors Drop Case Against SEIU California President Arrested at Immigration Protest

The Justice Department has filed a motion to drop its criminal case against SEIU California president David Huerta, who was arrested during an immigration protest in Los Angeles in June 2025. Prosecutors say the case will be permanently dismissed if Huerta complies with his pretrial release terms. The move is a major reversal after the charge was reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor in October.

Huerta and his legal team, including high-profile attorney Abbe Lowell, have called the case an attempt to silence criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement. “There was never a real case, only an attempt to punish and silence me for exercising my constitutional rights,” Huerta said in a statement. The case had drawn attention from political figures including Senator Adam Schiff, who attended Huerta’s bond hearing.

This story matters for Sacramento because of our unique position as the state capital, a union-friendly city, and a hub for immigrant communities. It also raises tough questions about where protest rights end and federal enforcement begins. Do you think this prosecution was politically motivated? Sound off in the comments.