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Key Points

US Senator Alex Padilla was dramatically removed from a Department of Homeland Security press conference in Los Angeles after attempting to ask a question. Federal agents handcuffed Padilla, claiming he approached Secretary Kristi Noem in a threatening manner during the event. California Governor Gavin Newsom strongly condemned the incident, describing it as an overreach of federal authority. The confrontation occurred amid ongoing tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement operations in California.

Key Points: Padilla Forcibly Removed at Noem DHS Press Conference Clash

  • Padilla forcibly removed during Homeland Security press conference in Los Angeles
  • Secret Service claimed Senator lunged toward Secretary Noem
  • Incident highlights tensions between federal officials and local politicians
  • Governor Newsom denounces treatment as "dictatorial"
3 min read

US Senator from California forcibly removed from DHS press conference

California Senator Alex Padilla handcuffed during DHS press event, sparking controversy over federal intervention and political tensions

"If they can handcuff a US Senator for asking a question, imagine what they will do to you. - Gavin Newsom"

Los Angeles, June 13

The office of Alex Padilla, a US Senator from California, confirmed that the Democrat was forcibly removed from a press conference of the department of Homeland Security (DHS) in Los Angeles after he tried to question US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Padilla was in the federal building in Los Angeles to receive a briefing with General Gregory Michael Guillot, the commander of United States Northern Command, and was listening to Noem's press conference, according to a statement released by the Senator's office.

"He tried to ask the Secretary 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," the statement added.

"Senator Padilla is currently in Los Angeles exercising his duty to perform Congressional oversight of the federal government's operations in Los Angeles and across California," Padilla's office noted.

Padilla, the first Latino to represent California in the US Senate, was forced to the ground and handcuffed by members of the US Secret Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation after interrupting the press conference held by Noem, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the Los Angeles Times.

Padilla said that if this is how the Trump administration treats a "senator with a question, I can only imagine what they're doing to cooks, to day laborers," according to the report.

The US Department of Homeland Security, however, said in a post on X that "Padilla chose disrespectful political theatre and interrupted a live press conference without identifying himself or having his Senate security pin on as he lunged toward Secretary Noem."

Padilla was told repeatedly to back away and did not comply with officers' repeated commands. Secret Service thought he was an attacker and officers acted appropriately, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

"Secretary Noem met with Senator Padilla after and held a 15 minute meeting," the department added.

California Governor Gavin Newsom posted a photo of the Senator being handcuffed by federal agents on X, saying that "If they can handcuff a US Senator for asking a question, imagine what they will do to you."

"This is outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful. Trump and his shock troops are out of control," the Democratic governor noted.

Hundreds of people have been arrested since the protests over federal immigration enforcement started on Friday.

US President Donald Trump has made decisions to dispatch over 4,000 National Guard members and about 700 active-duty Marines to the Los Angeles area over the objections of Newsom and other local officials.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is shocking behavior from US authorities! If they can manhandle their own Senator, imagine how they treat ordinary citizens. We've seen similar heavy-handedness during our own protests in India. Democracy must be protected everywhere. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
Both sides seem at fault here. The Senator should have identified himself properly, but the reaction was too extreme. In India, our politicians get much more leeway during protests - sometimes too much! Balance is important.
A
Arjun S.
The US always lectures other countries about democracy and human rights, but look at this! Hypocrisy at its finest. We should focus on strengthening our own democratic institutions rather than taking lessons from them.
S
Sunita P.
As someone who follows US politics closely, this incident shows how polarized American society has become. We must learn from this and ensure our political debates in India don't reach such levels of hostility. 🙏
V
Vikram J.
Security personnel have a tough job - they must react quickly to potential threats. While the outcome was unfortunate, we shouldn't judge without knowing exactly what happened. Our own security forces face similar dilemmas daily.
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Neha R.
Interesting to see how US handles political dissent compared to India. Here, politicians often disrupt Parliament and get away with it! Maybe we need more discipline, but definitely not this kind of excessive force. There must be a middle path.

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