SEIU Plots Its Own Arrests at GOP Office, Then Pivots to Tamer Protest

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) – a major force in U.S. labor – almost took performance art to a new level this week by planning to get themselves arrested at a protest outside GOP Rep. Young Kim's office in Anaheim, California. According to an insider, SEIU actually called up the local police, laying out their wish to stage a "civil-disobedience type of event" and get themselves arrested by blocking the office entryway. Talk about planning your own plot twist.

After a chat with law enforcement, SEIU decided to dial down the theatrics. Instead, the group held a large rally outside the office, saving the "small civil disobedience" for later by blocking a driveway and scoring some citations from the cops. One way to make sure your protest gets noticed – just send the invite to the police yourself.

The Anaheim Police Department stayed mum when asked for specifics, and SEIU didn't exactly confirm or deny their self-reported stunt. A spokesperson was quick to redirect attention, stressing the protest was really about protecting people with disabilities from potential Medi-Cal cuts, not just about the optics.

Roughly 1,000 people gathered for the rally, which stayed peaceful with no major arrests. About a dozen protesters blocked a driveway and, after refusing police orders to move, were escorted to another parking lot and ticketed. Sometimes civil disobedience comes with a traffic citation instead of handcuffs.

The backdrop to all this is the heated debate over Medicaid, with Democrats warning of historic cuts under the new GOP budget and Republicans insisting Trump isn't touching Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid. SEIU has been out front, slamming the proposed $880 billion Medicaid cut, which they say would hit working families, seniors, kids, veterans, and people with disabilities hardest.

Despite being the protest's target, Rep. Young Kim has publicly opposed Medicaid cuts, even joining other Republicans in a letter telling House leadership just that. She says she's met with local healthcare advocates and is committed to protecting vital services for her most vulnerable constituents. Her office also highlighted her bipartisan chops and her recent ranking as California's most effective federal lawmaker. That's a lot to fit on a business card.

Protests and disruptions have become a staple at Republican offices and town halls, especially since massive layoffs and spending cuts under Trump's second term. Some GOP lawmakers have ditched in-person town halls for teleconferences, citing safety concerns and a need for order. Meanwhile, Democrats like Minnesota Governor Tim Walz are taking the town hall show on the road in GOP districts, as Republicans reportedly get advice to avoid rowdy in-person events altogether.