Sen. Padilla Describes Emotional Removal from DHS Press Conference

Washington, D.C. – Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., returned to the Senate floor on Tuesday to recount his forceful removal from a Department of Homeland Security press conference last week. The speech addressed the Trump administration’s controversial response to recent immigration protests in Los Angeles.

Padilla’s ordeal occurred at the Wilshire Federal Building, where DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was detailing President Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops amid protests. Padilla had planned to attend a meeting nearby and decided to enter the press conference.

During the event, Padilla attempted to ask questions regarding the policies being discussed. Instead of engaging in dialogue, he was physically removed by security personnel. “You’ve seen the video. I was pushed and pulled, struggled to maintain my balance. I was forced to the ground,” Padilla shared, with visible emotion in his voice. “As I was handcuffed and marched down a hallway, repeatedly asking, ‘Why am I being detained?’ not once did they answer me. I pray you never have a moment like this,” he continued.

In his remarks, Padilla described the incident as a pivotal moment that represented the Trump administration’s oppressive stance on dissent. “The purpose of federal law enforcement and the military should never be to liberate cities from elected officials,” he argued, referring to Noem’s comments about ‘liberating’ Los Angeles from its Democratic leadership.

Padilla called the administration’s actions “un-American” and expressed concern for the treatment of ordinary citizens. “If the administration is willing to do this to a United States senator, imagine what they will do to any American who dares to speak up,” he urged. He emphasized that the treatment he received could extend beyond the confines of political figures.

His powerful address drew support from fellow Democrats, who stood by him in solidarity. He concluded with a call to vigilance, warning that a lack of accountability could endanger the rights of Americans everywhere. “What’s happening is not just a threat to California; it’s a threat to everyone in every state,” Padilla stated.