Alex Padilla

Thursday, June 12, 2025, Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was forcibly removed and handcuffed by officers at a news conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles.1

Here's what happened:

• The Incident: Padilla interrupted Noem's press conference, which was addressing ongoing protests in Los Angeles related to immigration raids, to try and ask questions about the Trump administration's immigration enforcement actions.2 Video footage shows him being grabbed by a Secret Service agent and shoved from the room, during which he identified himself as Senator Alex Padilla and stated he had questions for the Secretary.3

• Handcuffing: After being removed, Padilla was placed on the ground and handcuffed.4 His office stated he was "forced to the ground and handcuffed" but was "not currently detained" after the incident.5

• Reasons for Disruption: Padilla stated he attended the briefing to get information and answers regarding what he described as the Trump administration's "increasingly extreme immigration enforcement actions," saying he and his colleagues had received little to no response to their questions in recent weeks.6 He also stated in a social media post that "Trump isn't targeting criminals in his mass deportation agenda, he is terrorizing communities, breaking apart families and putting American citizens in harm's way."78

• Reactions:

  • The Department of Homeland Security stated Padilla "chose disrespectful political theater" and that Secret Service "thought he was an attacker" because he allegedly did not identify himself initially and was not wearing a Senator's pin.9 However, video shows Padilla identifying himself as he was being pushed out.

  • Many lawmakers, particularly Democrats, reacted with shock and condemnation.10 Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the "manhandling of a United States Senator" sickening, and Padilla's California colleague Adam Schiff called for an immediate investigation and suggested Noem should resign.11

  • Speaker of the House Mike Johnson described Padilla's behavior as "wildly inappropriate" and suggested it could merit censure.12

  • Former Vice President Kamala Harris stated Padilla "was representing the millions of Californians who are demanding answers to this Administration's actions in Southern California"13 and called his removal "a shameful and stunning abuse of power."14

  • Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the incident "absolutely abhorrent and outrageous."

• Ongoing Context: The incident occurred amid protests in Los Angeles over intensified Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and mass deportation efforts.15 Padilla is the most senior Democrat on the Senate's Border Security and Immigration subcommittee.