Dem Senator Removed By Security After Disrupting Noem Presser In Los Angeles

Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) was swiftly removed from the room after he began to interrupt a news conference being held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles, where the Trump administration has deployed National Guardsmen and U.S. Marines in response to violent anti-ICE protests.

The outburst started after Noem said federal officials would stay and “liberate” the city from the “socialist” and “burdensome” leadership of California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Padilla started trying to speak loudly, after which security quickly started pushing him out.

BREAKING: California Democratic Senator @AlexPadilla4CA just crashed DHS Secretary Noem’s press conference in LA and was forcibly removed. pic.twitter.com/Q2sUWiImAM

— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) June 12, 2025

“I’m Sen. Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary!” the Democrat cried as he tried, with little success, to stand his ground. Within moments, security shoved Padilla out the door. “Hands off!” he shouted as law enforcement kept him moving.

NBC News journalist Jacob Soboroff shared video that he said came from Padilla’s office, showing law enforcement officials pressing the senator to the ground and putting him in handcuffs.

Senator Padilla’s office sends me this video of his take-down and detention at Sec. Noem’s press conference in L.A. pic.twitter.com/RLUVYP1Jsb

— Jacob Soboroff (@jacobsoboroff) June 12, 2025

Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin, who caught part of the initial incident on video, reported on X that Noem ended up meeting with Padilla.

“After I stopped recording, my team witnessed him being taken to the ground by FBI personnel and he was temporarily detained. Awaiting further details on what happened out of our view,” he said.

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Melugin later added: “Noem tells me she had a 10-15 minute meeting with Padilla and they swapped phone numbers. Says it was cordial and beneficial. He had concerns about ICE operations & they opened up a line of communication. Said it was a good meeting and things are okay between the two of them (outside of all the political reaction happening now).”

In a statement, the senator’s office gave an explanation of what transpired.

“[Padilla] 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” it said.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also responded in a post on X.

“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,” DHS said. “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. Secretary Noem met with Senator Padilla after and held a 15 minute meeting.”

Reactions to the confrontation flooded social media.

“A member of Alex Padilla’s staff just so happened to record Padilla’s outburst and then him getting handcuffed in the hall by FBI, and then sent the video to a local TV anchor,” Washington Free Beacon investigative reporter Chuck Ross said on X.

“Padilla missed Senate votes all week, only to throw a temper tantrum, rush the stage where DHS Secretary Noem was speaking, and get forcibly removed by security,” observed conservative commentator Steve Guest.

Newsom, in a post on X, declared: “Senator Alex Padilla is one of the most decent people I know. This is outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful. Trump and his shock troops are out of control. This must end now.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called for an investigation.

“Watching this video sickened my stomach, the manhandling of a United States Senator, Senator Padilla,” Schumer said. “We need immediate answers to what the hell went on.”

According to Punchbowl News reporter Andrew Desiderio, Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-WY) said of Padilla, “He has a responsibility to his constituents to show up at work, not to go try to make a spectacle of himself.”