Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from a news conference with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles today. The incident occurred after Padilla interrupted Noem’s speech about recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, accusing her of exaggerating. At least two men approached Padilla, a Democrat, and pushed him through doors at the back of the room. As he was being removed, Padilla declared, “I am Sen. Alex Padilla and I have questions for the secretary.”
Noem continued her address to the room of reporters and law enforcement officers, stating, “We’re not going away. We are going to liberate the city from the burdensome leadership, mayor, and governor.” According to NBC Los Angeles, Padilla was handcuffed during the altercation but was not detained. His office released a statement saying he was in Los Angeles to perform Congressional oversight of federal operations and had intended to ask Noem a question.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the incident, describing Padilla’s removal as “absolutely abhorrent and outrageous.” She posted her reaction on social media alongside a video of the senator’s removal. The Guardian reported that Noem later stated she did not know Padilla and had not been approached for a meeting by him.
This event highlights ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities over ICE operations and the federalization of the National Guard in response to recent protests in Los Angeles. Padilla, who was born and raised in Los Angeles, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022 and is the first Latino to represent California in the Senate.
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