LOS ANGELES — In a dramatic scene Thursday, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) was forcibly removed by Department of Homeland Security security agents after interrupting a press conference led by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
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Padilla, who represents California and has been an outspoken critic of recent federal actions in Los Angeles, walked into the press briefing unannounced and declared, “I have questions for the Secretary,” before being physically restrained and escorted out by multiple DHS officers, including personnel in FBI-marked gear.
Video of the confrontation, shared widely on social media, shows the senator protesting loudly as he’s manhandled out of the room. “Hands off! This is outrageous!” Padilla can be heard shouting.
The incident comes amid growing tensions between federal authorities and California officials following the deployment of National Guard and Marine units in Los Angeles and a series of controversial ICE raids. Governor Gavin Newsom called the removal “dictatorial” and “a shameful abuse of power,” accusing the administration of trying to silence dissent.
The DHS press conference continued without addressing Padilla’s removal. Secretary Noem, who has played a central role in recent federal operations in the state, did not respond to reporters’ questions about the altercation.
Padilla’s office has not yet commented further on the incident, though sources say the senator intended to confront DHS leadership about the legality and human impact of recent enforcement actions.
THIS is what I voted for!
He could have addressed the Secretary respectfully and identified himself, instead of charging like a lunatic at her podium. They didn’t know who he was, and he was lucky that they essentially treated him gently, considering the circumstances.
Another loser Democrat standing for criminals.
hey you all DemocRATS – if you don’t like America and its LEGAL citizens you can move to Venezuala, Cuba, Iran or elsewhere
Scumbag barged into a cabinet members press conference without showing ID or wearing his lapel pin that identifies him as a member of Congress and then started shouting and moving towards the Secretary, her protective detail did the right thing, protecting her from an unknown possible threat.
Deport him
Democrats, don’t BELIEVE in democracy, they just USE democracy
respect the law buddy time to teach them a lesson..
what an absolute disgrace! This country is becomming more unrecognizable every day
I am not a fan of the democRATS, but in all fairness, the police & security behave absolutely DESPICABLY to this senator, and abused their power as they always love to do.
It is absolutely necessary that Senator Schumer receives swift & detailed responses to his urgent inquiries, and that every person who illegally touched this Senator is immediately fired and severely punished.