Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., was forcibly removed and handcuffed by federal agents during a Homeland Security news conference in Los Angeles on Thursday. Padilla interrupted Secretary Kristi Noem’s remarks to ask a question about recent immigration enforcement actions in the city.
Federal agents characterized the incident as a disruption.
The Department of Homeland Security said Padilla disrupted a live press event without identifying himself or wearing his Senate security pin. According to DHS, agents interpreted his actions as aggressive, saying he “lunged” at Noem. A DHS spokesperson said agents believed Padilla was an attacker and acted appropriately.
Padilla strongly disputed that, saying he had identified himself multiple times and was already in the building for a scheduled meeting. Video shows Padilla saying, “I’m Senator Alex Padilla,” before authorities pushed him back by security.
How have lawmakers responded?
The incident drew swift backlash from Democratic lawmakers. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the footage “sickened his stomach,” and Gov. Gavin Newsom called the arrest “outrageous, dictatorial and shameful.”
Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said Padilla had “every right to ask questions” and called for an investigation.
Several Democratic members of Congress protested. Some Republicans, including Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, expressed concern. Others, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., accused Padilla of provoking the scene for political purposes.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said she was stunned that federal agents failed to recognize Padilla. “Madam Secretary, I do not recognize you anymore,” Bass said at a news conference. “I do not know Kristi Noem that I served with for 10 years.”
What does Padilla say about the broader impact?
Padilla, who chairs the Senate’s Border Security and Immigration Subcommittee, said the incident raised concerns about how federal authorities treat civilians. “If that’s what they do to a United States Senator with a question,” Padilla wrote on X, “imagine what they can do to any American that dares to speak up.”
