California Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from a news conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at a federal building in Los Angeles on Thursday.
The incident occurred when Padilla attempted to ask Noem questions about recent immigration enforcement operations in his hometown.
According to eyewitnesses, Padilla was pushed and shoved out of the room by several men dressed in plainclothes after he said, “I am Sen. Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary.” He was then forced to the ground and handcuffed in a hallway outside the room.
Padilla’s office released a statement saying he was “exercising his duty to perform Congressional oversight” when he was removed.
“He tried to ask the Secretary a question, and was forcibly removed by federal agents, forced to the ground and handcuffed,” the statement added.
Noem offered a different account of the incident, claiming Padilla “burst into the room, started lunging towards the podium, interrupting me and elevating his voice” without identifying himself.
The Department of Homeland Security defended the FBI’s actions, stating the Secret Service thought Padilla was an attacker.
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the treatment of Padilla, describing it as “outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful.”
He blamed President Donald Trump and his security agents, calling them “shock troops” who are out of control.
Despite the incident, Padilla and Noem met for 15 minutes after the news conference.
The encounter has sparked controversy, with Democrats calling it a “shameful abuse of power”.
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