A prominent activist known for his longstanding work in immigration rights advocacy found himself in handcuffs after an encounter with Mesa Police on Tuesday morning. Martin Hernandez, an organizer with UFCW Local 99, was apprehended while documenting immigration enforcement, sparking outcry from both the community and political figures.
The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, representing Hernandez, expressed their concern stating, “Earlier today, we learned that UFCW Local 99 Organizing Director, Martin Hernandez, was detained in Mesa while peacefully documenting immigration enforcement activity.”
Hernandez has been a vocal advocate against policies like those of former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, and following his release, he voiced his dismay, “It’s still heartbreaking to see ICE continue separating our families, our community members and that police departments like Mesa (cooperate) with them. That’s shameful — doing high-fives while people are suffering.”
In response to his arrest, local activists, including state officials like Sen. Analise Ortiz (D-Phoenix) and Rep. Lorena Austin (D-Mesa), assembled at the police station for further clarity. Rep. Austin remarked, “I don’t know the full details entirely of this incident, but I think what it really highlights is that ICE is continuing to terrorize our communities… And I want people to know that that is still true.”
The arrest stemmed from a report to Mesa police by a concerned citizen about a man fleeing law enforcement and hiding in a business. Hernandez, a U.S. citizen, was reportedly asked to leave private property and arrested for trespassing after failing to comply.
Mesa police’s statement noted, “Martin later confirmed he had no lawful business at the location. He was transported to the Mesa police holding facility, where he was photographed and fingerprinted.”
Hernandez argues he was specifically targeted, describing the incident, “This morning I saw how they were taking this young lady from this apartment complex … It was frustrating that these guys, they took immediate action to take me away from the area, because they knew what I was doing.”
Attorney General Kris Mayes intervened, with spokesman Richie Taylor confirming her involvement, noting that she believed Hernandez was “wrongly detained” and was pleased with his release.
Initially, plans were in place to transfer Hernandez to a private facility in Florence managed by CoreCivic, a contractor with which Mesa has had a contract since 2017 for housing low-level offenders. However, Hernandez faced a third-degree trespassing charge, a misdemeanor under Arizona law, which involves remaining on property after being asked to leave.
Supporters of Hernandez argue that the arrest was unwarranted, emphasizing that individuals in similar situations are usually cited and released. After being cited for trespassing, Hernandez was indeed released later that day, according to Mesa police.
