For barging into a press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, agents handcuffed and forcibly removed Democrat United States Senator Alex Padilla.
Watch the video down below.
Video footage shows Padilla approaching the podium shouting, “Hands off, hands off. I am Senator Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary,” before being detained by officers who apparently took him for a potential threat.
The Department of Homeland Security defended the actions of its agents, stating: “Mr. 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.”
The statement further characterized Padilla’s behavior as “disrespectful political theater” that disrupted an official government event.
While Democrats erupted with outrage over the incident, House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Padilla’s behavior as inappropriate.
Additionally, the speaker suggested the senator could face censure for disrupting federal business.
Johnson’s response highlights the growing frustration with Democrat officials who appear more concerned with protecting illegal immigrants than supporting law enforcement efforts to secure the border.
Secretary Noem had been discussing the administration’s immigration enforcement actions in California.
She declared federal forces were “not going away” despite resistance from local liberal politicians.
“We are staying here to liberate the city from the socialist and the burdensome leadership that this governor and that this mayor have placed on this country,” the secretary stated.
The incident comes on the heels of Democrat U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver’s indictment on charges related to immigration enforcement interference.
Both events suggest a pattern of elected Democrats actively obstructing federal immigration law.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other California mayors have demanded that President Donald Trump end immigration enforcement operations in their sanctuary cities.
Following the incident, the White House accused Padilla of seeking attention rather than productive dialogue.
The FBI confirmed Padilla was temporarily detained for being disruptive during an official government event.
Despite the confrontation, Secretary Noem and Padilla reportedly had a “productive” conversation afterward and exchanged contact information for future communications.
The incident highlights the Trump administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws despite fierce resistance from California politicians.
Secretary Noem emphasized that federal forces will ensure immigration laws are properly enforced, regardless of local opposition.
🚨 #BREAKING @SenAlexPadilla tries to interrupt a press conference by @DHSgov Sec @KristiNoem and he’s forcibly removed.
California’s senior U.S. Senator was handcuffed and detained.
Video from @AlexPadilla4CA’s staff 🚨 pic.twitter.com/PXfszkBXxo
— Elex Michaelson (@Elex_Michaelson) June 12, 2025
