Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was forcibly removed from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s press conference in Los Angeles on Thursday. Padilla was manhandled, handcuffed, and pushed out of the room by at least two men after he questioned Noem’s statements about immigration raids in the region. Despite identifying himself as a U.S. senator, Padilla was yanked and shoved out of the room.
Noem continued speaking as Padilla was removed, and after he was outside, he can be heard saying, “Hands off.” Padilla was then directed to the ground, handcuffed, and detained by federal agents. Noem and DHS claimed that Padilla “lunged” towards her during the press conference, but this alleged action was not captured on video.
Padilla’s office released a statement saying he was peacefully attending the press conference to ask questions and was forcibly removed by federal agents. Following the incident, Padilla vowed to hold the Trump administration accountable for their actions.
The altercation took place amid contentious ICE raids ordered by the Trump administration in the region. President Trump authorized the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles without Gov. Gavin Newsom’s request, a move that has sparked protests and legal challenges.
Padilla, a first-generation Mexican-American, has been vocal in defending immigrants and criticizing the administration’s immigration policies. Several prominent Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Governor Newsom, condemned the treatment of Padilla during the press conference.
The incident has raised concerns about the use of force by federal agents and the Trump administration’s approach to immigration enforcement. Padilla’s detention has been widely criticized as an abuse of power and an attack on democratic principles.
