California Senator Forcibly Removed,Handcuffed After Interrupting DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s Press Conference

A press conference led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem took a dramatic turn when California Sen. Alex Padilla (D) was forcibly removed from the event by federal agents after interrupting her prepared remarks.

The disruption came as Noem addressed the recent wave of anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles, where hundreds have been arrested following violent protests. 

As Noem declared that the DHS would remain in the city to “liberate this city from the socialist and the burdensome leadership” imposed by California’s Democratic leaders, Padilla shouted over her, prompting a swift reaction from security.

Authorities ordered Padilla to put his hands up and swiftly escorted him out of the room. 

Despite the interruption, Noem continued her statement without acknowledging the outburst. 

Fox News reporters observed federal agents surrounding Padilla moments after the outburst, after which he was escorted away from the media area for a private discussion with Noem.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom was quick to weigh in on the incident, posting to X.

“@SenAlexPadilla is one of the most decent people I know. This is outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful,” he wrote. “Trump and his shock troops are out of control. This must end now.”

Padilla’s office issued a statement shortly after the event, defending his presence at the press conference and asserting that he was performing legitimate congressional oversight.

“Senator Padilla is currently in Los Angeles exercising his duty to perform Congressional oversight of the federal government’s operations in Los Angeles and across California,” the statement read. 

“He tried to ask the Secretary a question and was forcibly removed by federal agents, forced to the ground and handcuffed. He is not currently detained, and we are working to get additional information.”

The DHS responded with a sharply worded rebuttal. 

A spokesperson for the agency claimed Padilla failed to identify himself or wear his Senate security pin during the incident.

“Senator 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,” the spokesperson said. 

“Mr. Padilla was told repeatedly to back away and did not comply with officers’ repeated commands. @SecretService thought he was an attacker and officers acted appropriately.”

Noem later confirmed that she met privately with Padilla for 10 to 15 minutes, describing the interaction as “cordial and beneficial.” 

She noted that Padilla raised concerns about ICE operations and that the two exchanged phone numbers and agreed to maintain communication.

Padilla had been in Washington, D.C., the night before the incident but was pulled out of the annual Congressional Baseball Game and flown home amid escalating protests, according to Fox News. 

The riots, which began after ICE operations in the city, have led to more than 100 arrests, with National Guard troops and federal agents deployed to restore order.

The episode has amplified growing tension between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders over immigration enforcement and federal authority in California.

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