The Democratic Senator from California was attempting to ask questions regarding immigration enforcement when Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem addressed the media.
The incident unfolded when Padilla, who had arrived for a separate meeting in the federal building, interrupted Noem’s briefing.
He began shouting questions, specifically regarding the ongoing immigration protests in LA, which have been a point of contention in the city for nearly a week. Federal agents then confronted the senator and escorted him out of the room, handcuffing him in the process.
Noem, continuing with the briefing, made no immediate comment on the disruption.
The Department of Homeland Security accused Padilla of engaging in “disrespectful political theatre,” stating that he had not identified himself as a senator. They explained that officers, unable to see his Senate pin, thought he was a potential threat.
Padilla’s office confirmed that he was “forced to the ground and handcuffed” but was not detained after the incident.
Disturbing scene of Senator Alex Padilla being handcuffed pic.twitter.com/T8GjjrR9A2
— Acyn (@Acyn) June 12, 2025
Padilla later spoke out, condemning the actions of the DHS, and questioning what the department might be doing to undocumented workers in California.
“If this is how they treat a US senator, imagine how they treat farm workers and day labourers,” he said.
The incident has stirred political outrage.
Let’s talk about what happened today. pic.twitter.com/5XgvCrXc3p
— Senator Alex Padilla (@SenAlexPadilla) June 13, 2025
LA Mayor Karen Bass condemned the move as “absolutely abhorrent and outrageous,” calling for an end to what she described as “violent attacks” by the Trump administration. California Governor Gavin Newsom also weighed in, urging Republican leaders to denounce the actions, warning that such treatment could happen to anyone.
However, the White House dismissed Padilla’s actions, accusing him of seeking attention rather than answers. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson stated, “Padilla embarrassed himself with this immature stunt.”
Vice President Kamala Harris also criticized the move, supporting Padilla’s efforts to secure answers for his constituents about the administration’s immigration policies. She labelled the episode as “a shameful and stunning abuse of power.”
United States Senator Alex Padilla was representing the millions of Californians who are demanding answers to this Administration’s actions in Southern California.
This is a shameful and stunning abuse of power.pic.twitter.com/ODTNb92JE4
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) June 12, 2025
The incident has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate about immigration policy and the treatment of political figures by federal authorities.