Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was removed by authorities Thursday after interrupting a press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles.
The incident occurred as Noem delivered remarks addressing the ongoing unrest tied to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the city.
The press conference, organized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), was held in response to continued rioting and protests in Los Angeles, which have escalated over the past week following federal immigration enforcement actions.
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Noem began her remarks by sharply criticizing California’s leadership.
“The Department of Homeland Security is staying here to liberate this city from the socialist and the burdensome leadership that this governor and this mayor have placed on this country and what they have tried to insert into this city,” Noem said.
Moments later, Sen. Padilla entered the room and began shouting over Noem’s remarks. Authorities quickly intervened, ordering Padilla to put his hands up before escorting him out of the room.
The nature of his remarks was not immediately clear, but video of the incident showed Padilla raising his voice during Noem’s address.
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
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BREAKING 🚨 Democrat U.S. Senator Alex Padilla was just thrown on the ground and handcuffed 🔥
Democrats are no longer above the law
I VOTED FOR THIS pic.twitter.com/iq79kHNMC0
— MAGA Voice (@MAGAVoice) June 12, 2025
Padilla was not detained for long, but the interruption temporarily halted the proceedings. Noem did not acknowledge the disruption and continued her remarks without comment.
California Governor Gavin Newsom responded on X following the incident.
“@SenAlexPadilla is one of the most decent people I know,” Newsom wrote.
“This is outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful. Trump and his shock troops are out of control. This must end now.”
.@SenAlexPadilla is one of the most decent people I know.
This is outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful.
Trump and his shock troops are out of control.
This must end now. pic.twitter.com/Eki2cuTymb
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 12, 2025
The incident comes as tensions between the Trump administration and California officials continue to rise amid federal immigration enforcement operations.
President Donald Trump authorized the deployment of National Guard troops and 700 U.S. Marines to California earlier this week in response to escalating violence in Los Angeles.
Multiple protests have turned violent, with widespread property damage and confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement.
Sen. Padilla’s appearance at the press conference came less than 24 hours after he left Washington, D.C. during the annual Congressional Baseball Game.
Padilla had been slated to start at first base for the Democratic team but departed early to return to California as protests intensified.
The Department of Homeland Security has not issued a statement regarding Padilla’s removal but confirmed that security at all federal press events remains on heightened alert due to ongoing unrest in multiple cities.
Padilla has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s immigration policies and has condemned recent ICE enforcement actions in Los Angeles and other sanctuary jurisdictions.
He has also expressed opposition to the use of military personnel in domestic law enforcement operations.
The DHS-led operations in Los Angeles are part of a broader initiative to carry out large-scale deportations of individuals living in the United States illegally.
According to ICE data, more than 139,000 illegal immigrants have been deported since President Trump returned to office in January.
DHS officials have stated that the enforcement actions will continue and expand in the coming weeks.
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Bully Nation .
We will Force you to be like us .
f*(& him and the rest of califuckedupforya
Honestly, this website is complete Trump propaganda. How anyone can actually support the manhandling of an American Senator by thugs set on him by one of Trump’s foolish mouthpieces is beyond me. When a sitting Senator is attacked as Padilla was, then someone is going to have to pay the piper. I think Noem should retire asap, She is an actual threat to American democracy.
It seems like the commies’ mouthpieces have not gone to bed yet ! Bed Time Kiddies – Off you go !
When “Senators” act like mere common people-type VOTERS – and break the LAW, they MUST be arrested and removed to a safe place – safe for them, and safe for We The People !
Now that there is a REAL President in The White House – one who loves America and most of her People – we should concentrate on Clearing The Swamp and all its putrid ponds of the vermin infesting them !
God Bless America !