Sen. Padilla Detained at Noem DHS Event in LA

Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) was forcibly removed, handcuffed, and temporarily detained by federal agents, including FBI personnel, after attempting to question Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a press conference in Los Angeles regarding federal immigration enforcement. Video footage shows Padilla identifying himself as a senator and insisting on his right to ask questions before being restrained and removed. Padilla stated he was not arrested or formally detained, but condemned the administration’s aggressive response to his attempted oversight. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who labeled the treatment 'outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful.' The event occurred as President Trump deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles to enforce immigration policies amid ongoing protests. The actions against Padilla are widely seen as a sign of escalating authoritarianism and suppression of dissent.