Issued July 27, 2026

Service Employees International Union President (SEIU) April Verrett issued the following statement today following the announcement that the U.S. Department of Justice was dropping its case against SEIU-USWW President David Huerta.

"Today’s decision to drop the final charge against my brother, David Huerta, is a victory—not just for David, but for every person who believes that standing up for our communities is not a crime.

David has spent his life fighting alongside working people, immigrants, and families who too often are treated as disposable. His arrest was never just about one man. It was part of a broader effort to intimidate those who dare to speak out against injustice and to silence people demanding dignity for their neighbors.

That effort failed.

Let this be a reminder that solidarity is stronger than fear. We will not be intimidated into abandoning our communities or turning our backs on one another.

But while we celebrate today’s outcome, our work is far from over. Across this country, immigrant workers continue to face fear, family separation, and exploitation at the hands of those who profit from division. No one should have to choose between earning a living and living in fear.

At SEIU, we believe every worker deserves money, power, and respect regardless of where they were born. We will continue organizing, advocating, and standing shoulder to shoulder with immigrant workers until every family can live and work with dignity.

Today, we celebrate David. Tomorrow, we keep fighting for the just society we all deserve."