Democratic California Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed and handcuffed as he tried to ask a question at a press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles. In a viral video of the incident, Padilla is seen being restrained and removed from the room by multiple men despite identifying himself as a senator. Padilla, a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, had been seeking more information from the DHS on immigration enforcement actions but had not received a response to his inquiries. Following the incident, Padilla emphasized the administration’s response to him as a senator and its potential impact on vulnerable communities.

The DHS accused Padilla of engaging in “disrespectful political theatre” and claimed he failed to comply with officers’ commands. Padilla’s office stated he was at the press conference to receive a briefing and was listening to Noem’s remarks before attempting to ask a question. The senator’s removal sparked outrage among Democratic officials, with Governor Gavin Newsom condemning the incident as dictatorial and shameful. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer demanded immediate answers, while other politicians expressed concern over the treatment of a sitting US senator and the implications for democratic accountability.

Witnesses reported that Padilla was forced to the ground, handcuffed, and temporarily detained by federal agents. The incident has raised questions about the treatment of public officials and the rule of law in the current political climate. The response to Padilla’s removal reflects broader concerns about government accountability and the protection of civil liberties.