Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., was removed from a Homeland Security press conference in Los Angeles on Thursday.
Padilla is the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee.
A statement released by his office said Padilla "tried to ask the Secretary [Kristi Noem] a question, and was forcibly removed by federal agents, forced to the ground and handcuffed. He is not currently detained, and we are working to get additional information."
A statement on the Homeland Security Department's X account accused Padilla of "disrespectful political theatre," charging that he did not comply with requests to back away. The statement said that the senator and Noem spoke for 15 minutes after the incident.
Ahead of the press conference, the department said the event was for Noem to "show her support for DHS, law enforcement, and U.S. military personnel who are working to restore law and order."
The Trump administration has called on National Guard troops and Marines in recent days in response to protests of the administration's immigration enforcement tactics.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, posted a video of the incident:
.@SenAlexPadilla is one of the most decent people I know.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 12, 2025
This is outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful.
Trump and his shock troops are out of control.
This must end now. pic.twitter.com/Eki2cuTymb
On the Senate floor, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., referred to video of the incident saying, "I just saw something that sickened my stomach; the manhandling of a United States Senator. We need immediate answers to what the hell went on."
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