Democrats Demand Noem Resign After Senator Padilla Manhandled At Press Event

California Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from a press conference and handcuffed after attempting to question Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during her appearance at the Los Angeles FBI headquarters, CNN reported.

As Senator Padilla attempted to ask Secretary Noem a question, law enforcement officers reportedly pulled him from the room, forced him to the ground, and placed him in handcuffs. I Photo: Secretary Kristi Noem Facebook

Padilla, the first Latino elected to represent California in the U.S. Senate, said he had attended a briefing in the building and approached the event after learning of the press conference.

As he attempted to pose a question regarding federal immigration raids and the ongoing protests in Los Angeles, law enforcement officers reportedly pulled him from the room, forced him to the ground, and placed him in handcuffs.

The incident sparked immediate outrage among Democratic leaders. Senator Adam Schiff called the treatment of Padilla “disgusting” and demanded Noem’s resignation.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was “sickened” and called for “immediate answers.”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries vowed accountability for the officers involved. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi added: “The assault on Senator Padilla today was an assault on freedom of speech in our country… It shouldn’t happen to anyone.”

The altercation came amid escalating protests against Trump administration immigration enforcement policies. Noem has not yet publicly addressed the incident.