Labor leader David Huerta pleaded not guilty on Nov. 26, 2025, to federal charges of obstructing an ICE immigration enforcement raid in Los Angeles. Federal prosecutors allege Huerta interfered with ICE agents during an operation. Huerta is a prominent labor organizer in the Los Angeles area. The charges are federal obstruction, not state crimes.

The prosecution criminalizes community defense efforts during immigration raids. Labor advocates say the charges target organizing work and protected First Amendment activity. Federal authorities argue agents must conduct enforcement operations without interference. The case tests boundaries between protected protest and obstruction of federal agents.

Immigration raids increased in frequency and scope in 2025. Community members and organizers developed rapid response networks alerting residents to ICE operations. Federal prosecutors characterized these organizing efforts as obstruction. Labor unions and immigrant rights groups mobilized legal defense for Huerta.