LOS ANGELES — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, D-Calif., was forcibly removed from a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) news conference on Thursday after attempting to pose a question to Secretary Kristi Noem regarding recent immigration policy enforcement.
Padilla, who was present in the building for a separate military briefing, said he entered the press event upon learning that Noem was speaking and tried to ask a question. Video released by his office shows several individuals—some in plain clothes and others wearing FBI vests—physically escorting him from the room and placing him in handcuffs after forcing him to the ground.
“I was there peacefully,” Padilla later told reporters. “At one point, I had a question, and I was almost immediately forcibly removed from the room.”
DHS and Noem Respond to Incident
The Department of Homeland Security posted a statement on social media, asserting that Padilla did not identify himself and had “interrupted a live press conference.” The agency said agents believed Padilla was a threat and acted accordingly, claiming Noem later met with the senator for a brief conversation.
During the news conference, Noem stated that DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the military “will continue to sustain and increase our operations in this city,” referencing Los Angeles. She criticized local Democratic leadership and said the federal presence aimed to “liberate” the city.
Political Reactions Across Party Lines
The incident provoked a swift response from both Democratic and some Republican lawmakers:
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the event “sickening” and demanded answers.
- Sen. Adam Schiff said Padilla would not be intimidated, calling the DHS conduct “disgraceful.”
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom described the removal as “outrageous” and accused the federal government of abusing power.
- Former Vice President Kamala Harris also condemned the incident, calling it “a shameful and stunning abuse of power.”
Republicans were divided:
- Sen. Lindsey Graham criticized Padilla’s actions as political theater.
- Sen. Susan Collins, however, said the footage appeared “very disturbing” and questioned the justification for using force.
Broader Context and Recent Arrests
The incident follows rising tensions over immigration enforcement, including several arrests of Democratic officials in recent weeks:
Former ICE Director Tom Homan suggested further legal actions could be taken against California officials who obstruct federal operations.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested and later released over a protest at an ICE facility.
Rep. LaMonica McIver was indicted earlier this week in a related matter.
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