The United Steelworkers (USW) is filing a formal protest with the U.S. State Department after USW Sub-District Director Manny Armenta was arrested this week by Mexican border guards while on his way to meet with lawyers for the Los Mineros Mexican miners union.

On Jan. 24, a customs officer stopped Armenta’s car, which is leased by the union, accusing him of driving a stolen vehicle. He presented documentation, but to no avail. Armenta was arrested, detained overnight and released early  Jan. 25 after posting a bond of 80,000 pesos (about $7,750). 

The car  was impounded, and it has not been returned. His wallet was taken from him in the arrest, but later returned, minus $700 in cash, according to the union.

The USW is helping the members of Los Mineros, who have been on strike since July 2007 at Grupo Mexico’s Cananea mine, address dangerous safety conditions.

USW President Leo Gerard said in a statement:

This outrageous treatment by Mexican federal authorities shows the extent of the government’s corruption. We demand that these bogus charges be dropped with the immediate return of the union property along with what belongs to Manny.

Armenta is not deterred by his arrest. He told Workers’ Independent News:

It just gives me more energy to continue doing my job.