A dramatic scene unfolded in Los Angeles when U.S. Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed and pinned to the floor by federal agents during a press conference by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday, June 12.
What Happened at the Event?
Secretary Noem was speaking about the Trump administration’s strict immigration enforcement during a live press briefing at the Wilshire Federal Building. As she was criticizing California’s leadership, Senator Padilla entered the room and tried to ask her a question.
“I’m Senator Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary,” he said, before being tackled and handcuffed by FBI and Secret Service agents, who claimed he was being disruptive.
Footage from the scene shows Padilla identifying himself clearly, but agents said they thought he was a threat because he didn’t wear his Senate ID pin and allegedly “lunged” toward Noem.
Padilla’s Response
Speaking to the press later, Padilla explained he was already at the federal building for a scheduled DHS briefing. He heard about Noem’s press conference in a nearby room and joined it, hoping to get answers about recent immigration policies.
He said he was peaceful and simply tried to ask a question. Instead, he was “forcibly removed, forced to the ground, and handcuffed.” He was not arrested or charged.
Padilla added, “If this is how they treat a U.S. Senator, imagine how they treat ordinary immigrants, workers, and families.”
Strong Political Reactions
The incident led to massive backlash from Democratic leaders.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the footage “sickened” him and demanded a full investigation. Gov. Gavin Newsom called it “dictatorial and shameful,” and Rep. Adam Schiff called Padilla “the best of the Senate” while criticizing the federal agents’ actions.
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus said Padilla was just doing his job and demanded consequences for those involved.
However, Republicans defended the agents and accused Padilla of causing disruption. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Padilla’s actions deserved censure by the Senate, warning against such behavior in official settings.
DHS and Noem Defend the Agents
DHS claimed Padilla did not properly identify himself and appeared threatening. Secretary Noem, in a later statement, repeated the claim that Padilla “lunged” at her and praised law enforcement for their quick response. However, she also said she had a “productive conversation” with Padilla after the incident.
Background on Tensions
The press conference and Padilla’s reaction come amid growing protests in Los Angeles over immigration raids. Noem has ordered mass arrests, canceled protections for nearly 1 million people, and sent masked agents to detain immigrants even outside courtrooms.
Padilla and other Democrats have been pushing for answers on these actions, which they call extreme and anti-immigrant.