The California union leader who was arrested during an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement protest this summer pleaded not guilty in federal court on Tuesday.

David Huerta, the president of the Service Employees International Union California, was arrested on June 6 and charged with felony conspiracy, although the charge was later reduced to a misdemeanor for obstruction, resistance, or opposition of a federal officer.

In United States District Court in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Huerta pleaded not guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Alicia G. Rosenberg. Outside the courtroom, Huerta called the charge a "weaponization" of the judicial system.

"These charges are baseless," Huerta said. "They are an attempt to silence anyone who dares to speak out, organize or dem

See Full Page