Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed and handcuffed at a press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem — sparking widespread outrage and fears over creeping authoritarianism.
The California Democrat and ranking member on the Senate’s immigration subcommittee had attempted to ask Noem a question about her department’s “increasingly extreme” enforcement actions when he was physically restrained and dragged out by federal officers.
“I’m Senator Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary,” he can be heard saying in a now-viral video, before shouting, “Hands off!”
🚨 No arrest, but serious questions
Padilla confirmed he was not arrested or detained, but said he was “immediately, forcibly removed from the room” and handcuffed — even as he tried to carry out his official oversight duties.
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“If this is how DHS treats a senator, imagine what they’re doing to farm workers, cooks, and day labourers,” he warned. “We will hold this administration accountable.”
The incident occurred inside a federal building in Los Angeles. Padilla had been scheduled to attend a briefing with General Guillot and had stopped by Noem’s press conference when the clash occurred.
The Department of Homeland Security claimed Padilla “lunged” at Secretary Noem, did not identify himself, and ignored repeated warnings to back off — prompting a Secret Service response.
“Officers acted appropriately,” DHS said in a post on X, adding Noem later held a private 15-minute meeting with the senator.
Padilla’s team pushed back hard, calling it “a disgraceful abuse of power” and denying any aggressive behaviour.
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💥 Furious political reaction
The response from Democratic leaders was swift and scathing:
Senate leader Chuck Schumer: “We need immediate answers to what the hell went on.”
California governor Gavin Newsom: “Outrageous, dictatorial, shameful. Trump and his shock troops are out of control.”
Rep. Jimmy Gomez: “This is a threat to democratic accountability.”
Senator Tina Smith: “If this is how they treat a senator, imagine how they’ll treat you.”
Representative Norma Torres posted an impassioned video online, saying:
“This wasn’t a threat – it was dissent. They’re not keeping us safe – they’re silencing us.”
United States Senator Alex Padilla was representing the millions of Californians who are demanding answers to this Administration's actions in Southern California.
Video of the incident has now been viewed millions of times across social media, intensifying pressure on both DHS and the Trump administration to explain the treatment of an elected lawmaker.
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Padilla has promised to speak further in the coming days, while calls grow for a congressional investigation into the use of force by federal officers against public officials.
