In a dramatic incident in Los Angeles, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s news conference on Thursday. The altercation led to Padilla being handcuffed by officers after he attempted to voice concerns about immigration raids that have sparked significant protests across California and the nation.
During the news conference, which Padilla had interrupted, a Secret Service agent from Noem’s security team is seen on video forcefully ejecting the senator by pulling him by his jacket. The disruption occurred after Noem made a controversial statement about the intent of federal authorities to intensify operations and “liberate” Los Angeles from its purportedly “socialist” governance. Padilla loudly identified himself and demanded to ask the secretary questions. However, his attempts were thwarted as officers struggled with him, eventually forcing him to the ground and restraining him with handcuffs.
The episode has drawn swift outrage and concern from fellow Democrats in Congress. The shocking images and videos of Padilla’s removal circulated quickly, prompting calls for an immediate investigation. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer expressed his disgust over the incident, demanding explanations and describing the actions as “despicable and un-American.”
In response, a statement attributed to the Department of Homeland Security characterized Padilla’s protest as “disrespectful political theater,” defending the actions of the Secret Service by erroneously claiming Padilla had not identified himself. According to the statement, the officers acted within their duty as he refused multiple commands to retreat.
The dramatic removal of Padilla occurs amid heightened tensions following a separate incident where Democratic U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver was charged with interfering with immigration officials in New Jersey. These incidents, alongside California Governor Gavin Newsom’s warning of democracy being challenged, have fueled concerns about the Trump administration’s assertive strategies.
After his release, Padilla criticized the administration’s handling of his attempted questioning, suggesting that the heavy-handed response gives a troubling glimpse into broader enforcement tactics, particularly those targeting immigrant communities and vulnerable workers. However, Noem later described her interaction with Padilla post-scuffle as positive, though she criticized his confrontation as inappropriate.
The White House dismissed Padilla’s actions as seeking attention rather than answers, with spokeswoman Abigail Jackson condemning his approach while criticizing Democrats’ outrage over the incident compared to their response to violent protests. Padilla, known for his vocal opposition to President Trump’s immigration policies, has been particularly outspoken about recent raids, which he claims terrorize communities and threaten families.
Following Kamala Harris’s transition to Vice President, Padilla became California’s first Latino U.S. Senator, appointed by Governor Newsom. Harris backed Padilla after the ordeal, describing his removal as an egregious misuse of power. Democratic senators openly criticized the treatment of Padilla, calling it an attack on democratic principles and urging more response from Republicans.
Amidst the upheaval, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson accused Padilla of aggressive behavior towards Noem, suggesting it warranted a formal reprimand. Johnson’s remarks were countered by Democrats accusing him of misrepresenting the event. Senate Republican leader John Thune expressed a commitment to clarifying the situation by collecting all relevant details, despite not yet contacting Noem.
The incident highlights an escalating power struggle between different branches of government, with Congress maintaining oversight responsibility. This follows recent congressional oversight efforts scrutinizing the treatment of immigrants under the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation policies. From the Capitol, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned Padilla’s treatment, emphasizing accountability for those responsible and insisting on a change in the administration’s conduct.