Democrat United States Senator Alex Padilla faced a reality check when he was forcibly removed and handcuffed from an event.
Specifically, he barged into Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s press conference in Los Angeles on immigration enforcement.
Watch the video down below.
Federal agents escorted the shouting California senator away after he approached the podium.
This happened during Secretary Noem’s speech about the Trump administration’s continued deportation measures in the state.
The confrontation highlights growing tensions between Democrats attempting to obstruct immigration enforcement and the administration’s commitment to border security.
Video footage shows Padilla approaching the podium where Secretary Noem was speaking about immigration enforcement operations.
As he moved toward her, Padilla repeatedly shouted, “Hands off, hands off. I am Senator Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary.”
Despite identifying himself, security personnel quickly surrounded him and physically removed him from the event.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended the actions of its agents, explaining that Padilla was mistaken for a potential threat when he approached the secretary.
“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,” DHS officials stated in their explanation of the incident.
Secretary Noem’s press conference was focused on outlining continued immigration enforcement operations in California, where illegal immigration has overwhelmed local resources.
During her speech, the secretary made it clear that federal immigration enforcement is “not going away” despite obstruction from California officials.
She firmly stated, “We are staying here to liberate the city from the socialist and the burdensome leadership that this governor and that this mayor have placed on this country.”
In response to his removal, Padilla said:
“If this is how this administration responds to a senator with a question…I can only imagine what they are doing to farmworkers, to cooks, to day laborers throughout the Los Angeles community, and throughout California and throughout the country.”
While Democrats rushed to condemn the incident, House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Padilla’s behavior as inappropriate and suggested the possibility of censure.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune sought more information before commenting, while most Republicans recognized the incident as political theater designed to interfere with lawful immigration enforcement.
The White House accurately characterized Padilla’s disruption as an attention-seeking stunt that interfered with the Secretary’s ability to communicate important information about border security operations.
This comes as the Trump administration has ramped up deportation efforts targeting criminal illegal aliens.
Following the incident, Secretary Noem and Padilla met privately for approximately 15 minutes in what was described as a “productive” conversation.
They exchanged contact information for future communications, suggesting that proper channels of communication remain open.
The confrontation follows a broader pattern of resistance to immigration enforcement, including the recent indictment of Democrat U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver on charges related to obstructing immigration enforcement operations.
“HANDS UP” HANDS UP” oh it’s Padilla, he thinks he can push anyone around. Not this time-“nobody is above the law” now get down on the floor and get “Handcuffed” What a beautiful sight 🤩 pic.twitter.com/RFLethQt8e
— Red Trumper 🗽🎺🎺🎺🗽 (@Redhead4645) June 12, 2025
