Labor leader pleads not guilty, calls raid-related charges ‘baseless’

Union leader David Huerta pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a misdemeanor charge of obstruction of justice related to a confrontation with immigration officials during a raid this summer.

- BY CHRISTOPHER BUCHANAN

DAVID HUERTA is accused of hindering an immigration raid in L.A. in June.

(DAMIAN DOVARGANES Associated Press)

Huerta, the 58-year-old president of Service Employees International Union-United Service Workers West — a group that represents healthcare, property service and public sector employees — was detained by federal agents and hospitalized June 6 while documenting one of the first in a string of immigration raids that roiled the region over the summer. He was released on his own recognizance and was told to remain at least 100 feet away from federal officers.

After his arraignment, Huerta spoke to reporters, union members and supporters, blasting the charges filed against him.

“These charges are baseless, they are attempting to silence anyone who dares to speak out, organize or demand justice,” Huerta said. “I will continue to stand with you until every worker and every family is safe from raids, separation and fear and our constitutional rights are protected.”

Chants of “¡Si se puede!” erupted from the small crowd.