California Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed and handcuffed by federal agents during a press conference led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles on Thursday.
Senator Padilla, a Democrat, attended the press conference where Secretary Noem was addressing ongoing protests against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and recent enforcement actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the area. During the event, Padilla stood up and attempted to ask a question, stating, “I am Senator Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary.” At this point, several men, identified as federal agents, including some wearing FBI vests, physically escorted him out of the room.
Once in the corridor, video footage shows Padilla being pushed face down onto the floor as agents instructed him to put his hands behind his back before placing him in handcuffs. Witnesses reported Padilla repeatedly identifying himself as a senator and demanding, “Hands off, hands off,” before being subdued. He was not arrested or held in custody after the incident.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) later released a statement on X, accusing Padilla of “disrespectful political theatre” and claiming that Secret Service agents believed he posed a threat, thus acting appropriately. DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said agents “thought [Padilla] was an attacker and officers acted appropriately”.
Secretary Noem told reporters that she and Padilla met privately for about 15 minutes after the press conference.
Padilla, in his own remarks, criticized the administration’s response: “If this is the way this administration reacts to a senator raising a question, and if this is the response from the Department of Homeland Security towards a senator, you can only imagine how they treat farm workers, cooks, and day laborers in the Los Angeles area, across California, and nationwide.
“I will not stop.”
Padilla’s office stated he was in Los Angeles to perform Congressional oversight of federal operations and was in the building for a separate briefing.
The incident drew swift condemnation from Democratic leaders. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for answers regarding “the manhandling of a United States senator,” demanding to know “what the hell went on”. California Governor Gavin Newsom described the event as “outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful.”
“Trump and his shock troops are out of control. This must end now,” Newsom said.
