🚨 Senator Alex Padilla Handcuffed and Removed at Kristi Noem’s DHS Press Conference
WATCH VIDEO: California Senator Handcuffed by Federal Agents at DHS Event as Tensions Explode Over Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
In a scene that would’ve once been unthinkable in American democracy, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) was handcuffed and forcibly removed from a Department of Homeland Security press conference in Los Angeles on Wednesday, after attempting to ask questions directly to Secretary Kristi Noem.
Padilla, visibly stunned, identified himself repeatedly:
“I am Senator Alex Padilla. I have questions.”
He was detained by federal officers, briefly restrained with handcuffs, and escorted off the premises in front of cameras.
The reason? He dared to speak.
Padilla's statement after events:
“I came to ask questions on behalf of the people of California. What happened today should alarm every American who believes in checks and balances.”
His words underscore a deep concern across political lines: if a sitting U.S. Senator can be physically restrained for simply asking questions, what does that mean for democratic oversight?
Independent News. Just $1/Week.
We just hit 15,000 subscribers—thank you! To celebrate, we’re offering full access to The Coffman Chronicle for just $1 a week ($52/year).
Get exclusive analysis, daily rundowns, and fearless reporting you won’t find in corporate media.
Support truth. Stay informed.
❗ Why It Matters
This didn’t happen behind closed doors. This wasn’t a procedural misunderstanding.
This was a sitting United States Senator, trying to fulfill his oversight role, silenced with force by the very people he’s supposed to help oversee.
Kristi Noem, now leading DHS under Trump, later claimed Padilla’s actions were inappropriate—but critics aren’t buying it. California Governor Gavin Newsom called it “outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful.”
On Twitter, DHS posted, “Padilla chose disrespectful political theatre and interrupted a live press conference without identifying himself or having his Senate security pin on as he lunged toward Secretary Noem. 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.”
Other California Democrats, including Representatives Pete Aguilar and Scott Wiener, denounced the handcuffing as unconstitutional and authoritarian. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) referred to the incident as "manhandling of a United States senator," and said he was "sickened" by it and demanded "immediate answers as to what the hell went on." Sen. Adam Schiff said Noem should resign and requested an investigation into what happened, stating, "Every senator who works in this Capitol should be offended by this and outraged by this"
🔥 The Backdrop
This all happened amid intensifying protests in L.A. after Trump deployed ICE raids, the National Guard, and even Marines—against the will of California’s leadership. The state has filed legal challenges, but the show of federal force continues.
The mood in California is boiling. And today’s incident only poured gas on that fire.
🧨 Bigger Than a Press Conference
If federal agents can handcuff a U.S. Senator for asking questions, what message does that send to the rest of us?
This isn’t just about decorum—it’s about democracy.
Independent News. Just $1/Week.
We just hit 15,000 subscribers—thank you! To celebrate, we’re offering full access to The Coffman Chronicle for just $1 a week ($52/year).
Get exclusive analysis, daily rundowns, and fearless reporting you won’t find in corporate media.
Support truth. Stay informed.
🗣️ Reader Action:
Stay loud. Stay engaged. And yes—carry a copy of the Constitution in your damn pocket. You might need it sooner than you think.
👇 Grab your free digital Pocket Constitution below.
“Democratic Senator Forcibly Removed from DHS Press Conference.” Axios, June 12, 2025. https://www.axios.com/2025/06/12/alex-padilla-homeland-security-kristi-noem
“Sen. Padilla Forcibly Removed at News Conference Where Trump Official Was Speaking.”, June 12, 2025.
POLITICO. “Video Shows Senator Padilla Being Handcuffed at DHS Event.” POLITICO, June 12, 2025.
Pergram, Chad. “FBI Involved in Padilla Removal, Official Confirms.” Fox News, June 12, 2025.
 | A guest post by
|
This is total dick tatorship and must NOT be tolerated in this regime.
Senator Padilla and I are about the same age. We went to rival high schools. I’ve been a supporter of his since the beginning of his political career. He is a kind, good man. I am furious this happened, and not just because it was him, but that it happened at all. What to do with my rage?!