Report: Sen. Alex Padilla forcibly removed from homeland security news conference
U.S Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA).
Padilla said he was demanding answers about immigration enforcement
– U.S Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) was forcibly removed and handcuffed during a press conference held Thursday by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles, according to multiple reports. The incident occurred as the California Democrat attempted to question the secretary about ongoing federal immigration raids that have prompted protests across the state and country.
Video shows a Secret Service agent grabbing Padilla by his jacket and pushing him from the room after he interrupted Noem’s remarks, in which she reportedly stated federal authorities would expand operations to “liberate” the city from its “socialist” leadership.
“I’m Sen. Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary,” Padilla said as he was being removed, according to the Associated Press.
Outside the room, Padilla struggled with officers, shouting “Hands off!” before being pushed to the ground and handcuffed in a hallway.
The Department of Homeland Security later said Padilla “chose disrespectful political theater” and that agents believed he was an attacker. The agency claimed he did not identify himself, though video shows he did so while being removed.
Padilla said he was demanding answers about immigration enforcement and expressed concern for how the administration treats immigrant communities.
Democratic lawmakers condemned the incident and called for an investigation. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called it “despicable,” and Vice President Kamala Harris said Padilla was “representing the millions of Californians” seeking answers. Sen. Tina Smith called for Noem’s resignation.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Padilla’s actions were “wildly inappropriate” and suggested they could merit censure. Noem told Fox LA that she later spoke with Padilla and found the conversation “great,” but said his approach was inappropriate.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions over the Trump administration’s immigration policies, including military deployments in California and increased federal enforcement. Padilla, appointed to the Senate in 2021, has been a frequent critic of mass deportation efforts.
The office of Padilla, who is a ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, released the following statement:
“Senator Padilla is currently in Los Angeles exercising his duty to perform Congressional oversight of the federal government’s operations in Los Angeles and across California. He was in the federal building to receive a briefing with General Guillot and was listening to Secretary Noem’s press conference. He tried to ask the Secretary a question, and was forcibly removed by federal agents, forced to the ground and handcuffed. He is not currently detained, and we are working to get additional information.”
The incident has been reported on by various news agencies both inside California and nationally. Here is a clip of the incident from CBS San Diego:
