Statement from Building Skills Partnership (BSP) on the Reduction of Charges Against David Huerta

Building Skills Partnership stands with our valued Board member, David Huerta, SEIU California and SEIU-USWW President — a respected labor leader and bridge-builder who has spent decades strengthening partnerships between workers, employers, and communities across California. His leadership has advanced shared prosperity and fostered collaboration among labor, business, and civic institutions to create safer, more equitable workplaces and stronger communities.

While we acknowledge that the initial charges have been reduced to a misdemeanor by the federal government, true justice is grounded in not persecuting those who exercise their rights in advocating for their communities. This reduction is a necessary step toward justice and confirms the baseless nature of the initial felony charge. However, we maintain that the use of force against Mr. Huerta while he was peacefully exercising his right to observe was unacceptable. The continued pursuit of any charge sends a troubling message about the rights of American citizens and community leaders. We stand by the principle that no one—citizen or immigrant—should be subjected to violence or treated as less than human by institutions meant to protect and serve.

At Building Skills Partnership, we believe that bridge-building — not division — is the foundation of progress. Every person, regardless of background or immigration status, deserves to be treated with dignity and humanity by the institutions meant to protect and serve. In standing with David Huerta, we also stand for the values he represents: fairness, dignity, and the belief that the path forward for workers, industry, and communities lies in collaboration and shared purpose.

As a partnership dedicated to bringing together industry and labor to advance win-win solutions through workforce development, BSP’s core commitment is to the hardworking immigrant communities we serve. This incident directly fuels the fear and insecurity felt by the essential immigrant workforce we serve. The fundamental contributions of these workers to our economy and communities must be protected and honored, not jeopardized by enforcement actions.

We remain unwavering in our pursuit of justice for David Huerta, beginning with the demand to drop all remaining charges. Our core commitment to the dignity, safety, and success of the working families who power our communities continues. We will not be deterred from building a more equitable and supportive future for all.