WASHINGTON — During a poignant address on Tuesday, Senator Alex Padilla implored Americans to engage in peaceful protests against the actions of President Donald Trump’s administration. The California Democrat made these remarks following his forcible removal from a press conference led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles the previous week. Padilla attempted to raise inquiries regarding ongoing immigration raids, which led to the altercation.
Padilla detailed the incident, revealing that despite his accompaniment by a National Guardsman and an FBI agent, he was physically compelled out of the room and onto the floor while attempting to question Noem. “I was pushed and pulled, struggled to maintain my balance,” he recounted, “and ended up flat on my chest.” The Senator shared his experience of being handcuffed and escorted down a corridor, repeatedly questioning, “Why am I being detained?” without receiving an explanation.
He reflected on the potential perception of his detainment, wondering what implications it would have on his city and family. “What will a city, already on edge from being militarized, think when they see their U.S. senator handcuffed simply for asking a question?” Padilla pondered aloud.
In contrast, a statement from the Department of Homeland Security later justified the actions against Padilla, alleging he engaged in “disrespectful political theater” and was mistaken by the Secret Service as a potential attacker. The statement inaccurately noted that Padilla did not identify himself, although he asserted he did so as he was being removed.
According to DHS, Padilla was repeatedly ordered to retreat but allegedly did not comply, prompting what they described as appropriate measures by law enforcement.
Padilla’s presence at the press conference was in response to heightened immigration enforcement actions sparking protests locally and nationally, amidst the deployment of military troops to California by the Republican president. Outraged by comments from Noem about “liberating” Los Angeles from its Democratic leaders, Padilla urged a moment of reflection on what he deemed an anti-American sentiment.
Padilla and fellow Democratic lawmakers have labeled the incident as part of an intimidation campaign by the Trump administration. The clash follows after Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver faced federal charges for allegedly assaulting and obstructing immigration officers in New Jersey, and Newark’s Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested during a congressional oversight visit attempt.
The Senator called on Americans to voice their dissent. “No one is coming to save us but us,” Padilla declared. He emphasized the power of collective, peaceful protest, speculating on the impact millions of Americans could achieve if even a single senator’s question invoked fear in the administration.