Democratic U.S. Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from a press event in Los Angeles, led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Secretary Noem was updating the media about immigration enforcement in the area. These actions had already sparked several days of protests. During the briefing, Senator Padilla interrupted and shouted a question, which led to his removal.
After being taken out, Padilla was put in handcuffs by authorities.
The incident drew strong criticism from both political parties. Some senators called the arrest “shocking” and a “disgrace,” while the Trump administration labeled it “political theatre.”
“I’m Senator Alex Padilla,” he shouted as officers approached him. “I have questions for the secretary!”
Despite the disruption, Noem continued speaking to reporters and law enforcement about immigration and the recent protests as Padilla was escorted out.
Padilla’s team said he was “forced to the ground and handcuffed” by federal officers while trying to ask a question. They also stated that he was not being held in custody.
The Department of Homeland Security responded, calling the senator’s actions “disrespectful political theatre,” but confirmed that Secretary Noem did speak with him privately after the event.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass strongly criticized the situation, calling it “outrageous and unacceptable,” and said the Trump administration’s “violent tactics” against the city must stop.
Senator Padilla later explained he was already at the federal building for a previously arranged meeting. He said he walked into the press conference hoping to hear updates since he and other senators hadn’t received answers to their immigration questions.
Padilla, whose parents immigrated from Mexico, is the highest-ranking Democrat on the Senate’s subcommittee for Border Security and Immigration.
“I came to listen to her remarks and possibly get more details,” Padilla explained.
He also warned that if a senator can be treated like this, it raises concerns about how the government treats ordinary workers in California and across the U.S.
Padilla encouraged Americans to keep protesting the Trump administration’s policies in a peaceful manner.
In a statement, Homeland Security said Padilla didn’t identify himself and wasn’t wearing his official Senate pin. Officers believed he was a threat.
Video clips from the scene show Padilla clearly saying he is a senator while being pushed out of the room.
California Governor Gavin Newsom demanded that Republican leaders in Congress speak out against Padilla’s treatment.
“If a U.S. senator can be handcuffed for asking a question, imagine what they’ll do to regular citizens,” Newsom posted online.
However, the White House accused Padilla of barging into the press conference and said he yelled and moved aggressively toward Secretary Noem.
“Padilla wasn’t looking for answers—he wanted attention,” said White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson. “He embarrassed himself and the people he represents with this childish act. It’s surprising that Democrats are angrier about Padilla than they are about the riots and attacks on police happening in LA.”
Former Vice President and Trump critic Kamala Harris also spoke out. She said Padilla was simply trying to get answers for the people of California about the immigration raids.
“Senator Padilla was standing up for millions of Californians who want transparency from this administration’s actions in Southern California,” Harris said on social media. “This was a clear misuse of power and deeply troubling.”