LOS ANGELES, CA — IATSE released the following statement, Monday: “As a union that consists of immigrants and children of immigrants, IATSE is deeply troubled by the ongoing federal raids in Los Angeles targeting workers. We join the labor movement in affirming and defending the fundamental rights of everyone in America. Peaceful protest, due process, and the right to observe government action are enshrined in the Constitution of the United States. These raids threaten those rights and principles.
The militarized response is only escalating the situation and damaging communities where we live and work. The federal deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops without Governor Newsom’s request marks the first such action since the civil rights era. Reports that active-duty Marines were kept on “high alert” and staged near Camp Pendleton intensify our concern about the use of military force against peaceful American protesters.
Moreover, the apparent targeting of labor activists by federal authorities is unacceptable and dangerous. The raids resulted in the injury and detention of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California President David Huerta, who was peacefully observing and advocating for working people. We stand united with David Huerta, immigrant workers, and all who seek justice.
These actions have had a chilling effect that extends far beyond Los Angeles. When would-be foreign tourists hear about aggressive immigration enforcement and militarized responses in major U.S. cities, our hospitality and entertainment industries suffer. The U.S. Travel Association projected the U.S. would lose $21 billion in travel-related revenue in 2025 alone, and that was made before the ongoing crisis in Los Angeles. That downturn directly impacts IATSE and behind the scenes crews who rely on healthy tourism and live-event schedules for their livelihoods.
We urge leaders to act swiftly—and thoughtfully—to ensure America lives up to its promise as a place of liberty and justice for all, including:
- Uphold civil liberties, including the First Amendment right to peaceful protest.
- Cease raids and militarized escalation that terrorizes our communities.
- Immediately release President Huerta and all others unfairly affected by these raids.
- Recognize and address the economic ripple effect—especially on tourism and the arts—and protect jobs tied to live events and cultural exchange.”
