Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed and handcuffed during a press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles in June 2025. The incident occurred when Padilla interrupted Noem to ask questions about the immigration enforcement policies being presented. Padilla identified himself as a U.S. senator but was confronted and physically removed by security personnel, including FBI agents and Secret Service members. He was pushed to the ground, handcuffed, and taken out of the venue. This federal building event took place amid heightened tensions due to militarized immigration enforcement in Los Angeles, which sparked protests and public outcry. Padilla stated afterward that he could not accept the rhetoric being used during the press conference, which prompted his attempt to ask questions. Democratic lawmakers and others condemned the removal, calling it an affront to democracy and a disgrace. Padilla later spoke on the Senate floor strongly rebuking the Trump administration's militarization of Los Angeles and called for transparency and opposition to the administration's actions. He has remained active in addressing related issues like redistricting and immigration enforcement since the incident.
In summary, Senator Padilla was forcibly removed from a Homeland Security press conference in June 2025 due to his insistence on questioning the immigration policies being presented, an incident that drew widespread attention and political response.
