WASHINGTON — In a stunning scene of political drama, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla was slammed to the ground and cuffed by security during a tense press conference on Thursday as he tried to confront Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem over immigration protests rocking Los Angeles.
“I am Senator Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary,” Padilla declared — moments before officers tackled the towering California Democrat, 52, and dragged him out as he shouted, “Hands off!”
A viral video shows three agents forcing Padilla down and locking his hands behind his back. While Reuters could not immediately verify the clip, the footage set social media ablaze.
DHS later claimed Padilla staged “disrespectful political theatre” and ignored warnings to back off — adding that Secret Service officers mistook him for a threat. Noem reportedly met with Padilla after the explosive incident.
Outrage erupted on Capitol Hill. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer fumed, “I just saw something that sickened my stomach — the manhandling of a United States senator. We need immediate answers to what the hell went on.” Even Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski slammed the treatment as “wrong and sick.”
As protests against Trump’s immigration crackdown intensify in L.A., and troops flood the city to secure federal sites, tensions in Washington have boiled over — and Thursday’s scuffle has only added fuel to the fire.
