Chicago – June 12, 2025
Senator Alex Padilla, a Democrat from California, was forcibly removed from a Homeland Security press conference in Los Angeles on Thursday. The event, led by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, focused on immigration enforcement actions and protests in the city.
Padilla attempted to ask a question during the press conference but was pushed to the ground by federal agents, handcuffed, and later released, according to Padilla’s account. He spoke to reporters afterward, explaining that he had been in the federal building for a scheduled meeting with federal officials. He said he went to the press conference to gather more information after having trouble arranging a meeting with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The Department of Homeland Security, through its X account, accused Padilla of causing “disrespectful political theatre” and said he ignored requests to step back. However, Padilla insisted that he identified himself as a senator and was there in his official capacity. He also stated that he and Secretary Noem spoke for 15 minutes after the incident.
In videos of the event, Padilla can be heard identifying himself while being pushed away, and another recording shows him handcuffed on the floor after being removed from the press conference.
