United States Senator from California, Alex Padilla, was forced to leave the press conference by US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles on Thursday after he started speaking over her, saying he has questions for the secretary.
Noem was speaking about the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency's recent operations in Los Angeles when Padilla interrupted, claiming that Noem "insists on exaggerating." He was then approached by several men, taken out of the room, and handcuffed. According to his office, he was in the federal building to receive a briefing with General Gregory Guillot and listened to Noem's press conference.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the incident, with Newsom stating that it is "outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful" and adding that US President Donald Trump and his "shock troops" are "out of control."
What just happened to @SenAlexPadilla is absolutely abhorrent and outrageous.
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) June 12, 2025
He is a sitting United States Senator.
This administration’s violent attacks on our city must end.pic.twitter.com/qbh9ZPE8i9