Padilla Removed: Noem LA Press Conference & ICE Protests
- Alex Padilla, a Democrat known for his criticism of immigration policies, was forcibly removed and handcuffed at a Los Angeles press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi...
- Video footage shows agents restraining Padilla as he attempted to ask Noem questions.
- Padilla, the ranking member of the judiciary subcommittee on immigration, citizenship and border safety, stated that his office had repeatedly requested data from the DHS regarding immigration enforcement...
Breaking news: Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed and handcuffed at a Los Angeles press conference hosted by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. This shocking incident, captured on video, involved Padilla being restrained by federal agents as he attempted to question Noem about immigration policies. The detention sparked outrage among Democratic colleagues who have criticized the handling of the situation. Republicans, like House Speaker Mike Johnson, have called for the Senator’s censure. News Directory 3 is following the story and will provide more developments as they occur. What’s the broader impact of this event? Discover what’s next.
Senator Alex Padilla Detained at Immigration press Conference in Los Angeles
Updated June 13, 2025
California Sen. Alex Padilla, a Democrat known for his criticism of immigration policies, was forcibly removed and handcuffed at a Los Angeles press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday. The incident, captured on video, has ignited a firestorm of controversy.
Video footage shows agents restraining Padilla as he attempted to ask Noem questions. Padilla can be heard repeatedly identifying himself as a senator and demanding that agents remove their hands from him. Outside the room, he was pinned down and handcuffed.
Padilla, the ranking member of the judiciary subcommittee on immigration, citizenship and border safety, stated that his office had repeatedly requested data from the DHS regarding immigration enforcement actions. He told reporters that the treatment he received raises concerns about the treatment of ordinary people. he vowed to hold the management accountable for it’s immigration enforcement actions.
The incident drew swift condemnation from Padilla’s Democratic colleagues. Sen. Adam Schiff expressed shock, questioning the state of democracy. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries described the incident as “manhandling” of a senator. California Gov. Gavin Newsom called the event “outrageous,dictatorial,and shameful.” Vice President Kamala Harris described the incident as “a shameful and stunning abuse of power.” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said he was sickened by the video.
Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, criticized Padilla’s actions, with Johnson calling for his censure. Johnson accused Padilla of “charging a cabinet secretary at a press conference” and called his actions “wildly inappropriate.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a statement claiming Padilla disrupted the press conference and failed to identify himself, leading officers to believe he was an attacker. Deputy FBI Director Dan bongino said Padilla was not wearing a security pin and resisted law enforcement.
Noem stated that padilla’s approach was “not appropriate” and that she wished he had contacted her office beforehand. According to the DHS, Noem and Padilla met for 15 minutes after the incident and had a ”great” and “productive” conversation.
“I’m Senator Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary,” Padilla shouts, as he struggles to move past against the men pushing him back toward the exit.
what’s next
The incident is highly likely to fuel further debate over immigration policy and the relationship between California and the federal government. Expect continued calls for accountability and openness from both sides of the aisle regarding immigration enforcement actions.