Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was forcibly removed from a Department of Homeland Security press conference in Los Angeles after attempting to question Secretary Kristi Noem regarding immigration enforcement.
Padilla identified himself and began asking a question when plainclothes agents, later confirmed to include FBI and Secret Service personnel, intervened. He was taken into a hallway, forced to the ground, and handcuffed, as captured in a video released by his office.
Padilla later explained that he was peacefully awaiting a military briefing when he learned Noem was in the building and decided to attend. He stated he was calm and identified himself clearly. However, Noem claimed Padilla stormed the event without identifying himself, interrupted the proceedings, and acted aggressively. She asserted that his removal was necessary to maintain order and security during a sensitive federal briefing.
Officials Defend Use of Force as Lawmakers Clash Over Padilla’s Sudden Removal
The DHS event was held in a federal building and was reportedly closed to the public. According to former Secret Service agent Anthony Cangelosi, the use of force was potentially justified if Padilla resisted removal. Secret Service officials interviewed Padilla afterward and concluded he had no harmful intentions. They eventually facilitated a short, private meeting between Padilla and Noem to de-escalate the situation.
Senator Padilla’s Forcible Removal from DHS Event Sparks Outrage and Fuels Immigration Policy ClashThe incident drew swift backlash from prominent Democrats. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Adam Schiff both condemned the handling of Padilla, calling it an abuse of power. California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris also denounced the administration’s actions as authoritarian.
Some Republicans, including Sen. Susan Collins, expressed concern over the footage, though others like Sen. Lindsey Graham and White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson dismissed Padilla’s actions as political theatrics.
Padilla’s Treatment Sparks Concerns Over Immigration Raids and Federal Use of Force
Padilla questioned what his treatment says about the broader tactics being employed in immigration raids. He warned that if federal agents could act so aggressively toward a U.S. senator, the conduct toward vulnerable immigrant populations, such as farmworkers and day laborers, could be even more troubling.
The incident comes amid escalating immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles and elsewhere, following President Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard and Marines.
This incident adds to a growing list of confrontations between Democratic officials and federal agents. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Rep. LaMonica McIver of New Jersey have also faced arrests or indictments during immigration-related protests.
Amid heightened tensions, Trump’s immigration advisor Tom Homan even suggested that California leaders could face legal consequences if they obstruct federal operations. The event has intensified partisan debate over the scope and conduct of federal immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.