Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla was roughly dragged away, pinned to the floor, and handcuffed by security officials at a Thursday press conference conducted by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles. The ceremony, aimed at discussing protests ignited by President Trump’s immigration clampdown, turned into a fiasco when Padilla tried to raise a question.
“I am Senator Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary,” Padilla announced, only to be instantly faced by security. “Hands off,” he yelled as three agents held him back and handcuffed him. An online video purporting to show the altercation exists, but Reuters could not confirm its validity.
Padilla then spoke to the press, stating, “If this is the way that DHS treats a senator, try the treatment of regular workers farmers, cooks, day workers here in California and around the country.”
DHS replied by characterizing the senator’s behavior as “disrespectful political theatre,” arguing Padilla defied repeated orders and was seen as a threat. The agency asserted officers were justified and confirmed Noem sat down with Padilla after the incident.
The action provoked bipartisan outrage. Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski labeled the handling of Padilla as “wrong and sick,” while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer deplored it as “manhandling” and called for immediate explanations. GOP Senator John Thune indicated additional response would come after clarification.
The context for the scuffle is the deployment of 700 US Marines and 4,000 National Guard soldiers in Los Angeles. California has sued the federal government in federal court to prevent their street patrols and limit their functions to federal property. The state complains of law violations, pointing to ICE support during raids.
Noem insisted more than 1,500 people had been arrested and suggested there were still financial probes into the protests, although there is still limited evidence.
It is not the first time Democratic officials have been charged. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Congresswoman LaMonica McIver have also been charged in immigration-related protests.
