Democratic senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed by Secret Service and FBI officers after posing a question on Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown at a news conference held by homeland security secretary Kristi Noem. This incident has sparked criticism from Democrats, with Ken Martin calling it a “violent message” and Kamala Harris denouncing it as a “shameful abuse of power.” Tensions between Democrats and the Trump administration have escalated over the president’s use of the national guard and marines to quell protests against the anti-immigration program in Los Angeles, leading to a temporary restraining order issued by a district judge. The Department of Homeland Security accused Padilla of engaging in “political theater” and disrupting the live news conference, a claim refuted by video evidence showing Padilla being restrained and removed as he identified himself as a senator with questions for the secretary. Meanwhile, California national guards and Marines deployed in Los Angeles have expressed discontent with their assignment, viewing it as a political maneuver they do not wish to be part of. Overall, the incident involving Padilla has raised concerns about government overreach and the suppression of dissent, drawing parallels to authoritarian tactics as described by Democratic officials and rights groups.