Protesters in Seattle Express Strong Disapproval over the Arrest of a Union Leader during an Anti-ICE Demonstration in Los Angeles
Kickin' It with Kai Uyehara
Hundreds pound the pavement towards Seattle City Hall, demanding the federal government to free a labor leader, David Huerta, who was nabbed during protests against workplace immigration raids in Los Angeles.
"Free David, free them all," the crowd echoes, occasionally interrupted by rousing cheers and rhythmic drumbeats.
The arrested SEIU California President's actions sparked nationwide demonstrations, as he was appearing in federal court in Los Angeles for a hearing. Huerta has since been released on a $50,000 bond.
Lauren Tozzi, from Seattle, states, "When they start targeting people who have a position, who have a voice, I think that the powers that be just don't want us to be unified."
Viral footage shows Huerta, an immigration advocate and union leader, being thrown to the ground and lying with his head on the curb in downtown Los Angeles on Friday. The unfortunate incident occurred while Huerta was protesting officers executing a federal search warrant at a business suspected of employing undocumented immigrants. Federal authorities allege Huerta was impeding a law enforcement vehicle.
Bill Essayli, US Attorney for the Central District of California, penned a stern statement: "I don't care who you are - if you impede federal agents, you will be arrested and prosecuted."
The Seattle protest remains peaceful as it migrates from the SEIU 775's office to City Hall, passing a construction site adorned with the names of local Indigenous tribes. The demonstrators were a mix of immigration advocates, some clad in purple shirts representing various labor union chapters.
SEIU, with approximately 144,000 members in its California chapters, recently led protests against the detention of Llewelyn Dixon, a University of Washington staff member and SEIU 925 member, by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. Dixon, a green card holder, has since been released.
The union implored non-U.S. citizens to refrain from participating in the protests, due to concerns over "retaliatory deportation." Mayor Bruce Harrell asserts that Seattle stands with Huerta, likening his fight to a symbol representing the city's vision for the nation.
Alex Pierpott, carrying an American flag, advocates for a nation striving towards a brighter future: "There's people who are patriotic and still believe in this country and want to strive for the better."
As the crowd disperses, they chant, "We love immigrants."
diverting traffic, deploying rubber bullets, and using tear gas and flash bangs as thousands of protesters showed up against ICE operations across various locations such as a Home Depot over the weekend. Some protesters ended up damaging Waymo self-driving cars, hurling objects at police, and throwing rocks, electric scooters, and fireworks at California Highway Patrol officers, according to The Associated Press.
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The AP contributed to this report. Reach out to kuyehara@our website for more information.
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