Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was forcibly removed and handcuffed on Thursday after interrupting a press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at a federal building in Los Angeles.

 

Footage of the incident, shared by Fox News reporter Bill Melugin, shows several men restraining Padilla as he attempted to ask a question while identifying himself as a senator. Moments later, he was pushed to the ground and handcuffed. “I’m Senator Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary,” he is heard saying before being removed from the room.

 

BREAKING: California Democratic Senator @AlexPadilla4CA just crashed DHS Secretary Noem’s press conference in LA and was forcibly removed. pic.twitter.com/Q2sUWiImAM

— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) June 12, 2025

 

Noem’s team described the senator’s actions as “political theater” and claimed that Padilla was not wearing his Senate pin and did not properly identify himself. The Department of Homeland Security stated that the senator “lunged” at the secretary and ignored repeated commands from agents, prompting the Secret Service to intervene.

 

Padilla’s office rejected the official version, stating that the senator was carrying out his congressional oversight duties in California. “He attempted to ask a question and was taken down and handcuffed. He is not currently in custody, and we are working to gather more information,” his office said.

Padilla later denounced the incident as an attack on his right to represent his constituents. “If this is how they treat a senator with a question, imagine how they treat farmworkers, cooks, and day laborers,” he said.

 

The press conference came amid heightened tensions in Los Angeles following widespread ICE raids. Noem had called the event to highlight the results of the operation, which sparked protests and unrest due to the surge in immigration enforcement.

 

The incident drew immediate condemnation from Democratic lawmakers. “Watching this video sickened me. We need immediate answers,” wrote Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.