What started as a routine Homeland Security press conference in Los Angeles quickly escalated into chaos on Thursday, June 12, when an unexpected interruption from a U.S. senator led to shouting, handcuffs, and national headlines.
Senator Interrupts Noem, Chaos Unfolds
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was in Los Angeles to discuss the Trump administration’s ongoing response to immigration protests and anti-ICE demonstrations.
Just as she was beginning her remarks—before the question-and-answer portion even started—California Senator Alex Padilla stood up and began shouting.
“I’m Senator Alex Padilla, and I have questions for the secretary,” he called out. His interruption brought the event to a screeching halt.
Padilla Dragged Out and Handcuffed
Security acted swiftly. As Padilla continued speaking, multiple guards approached and forcibly removed him from the room.
Shocking footage released by his team later showed the senator being wrestled to the ground outside the venue, put in handcuffs, and held by FBI agents.
He could be heard shouting, “Half a dozen violent criminals that you’re rotating on your… hands off!” before being subdued.
Senator Defends His Actions After the Incident
Later that day, Padilla held a fiery press conference of his own.
The son of Mexican immigrants, he fiercely criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policies and described his removal as an extreme overreaction.
“If this is how the Department of Homeland Security treats a sitting U.S. senator, imagine how they’re treating the cooks, the farmworkers, and day laborers in our communities,” he said.
Noem Dismisses the Interruption as Political Theater
Kristi Noem, who has been a leading voice in the Trump administration’s tough stance on immigration, later described the incident as “disruptive” and unnecessary.
She told reporters that Padilla had not identified himself beforehand, hadn’t scheduled a meeting, and “lunged” at the podium.
“This kind of behavior isn’t appropriate,” she said.
“If he wanted to speak, all he had to do was ask.”
Despite the dramatic moment, Noem confirmed that she and Padilla did eventually speak in private, exchanging phone numbers and agreeing to keep the lines of communication open.
DHS and Secret Service Justify Their Response
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Department of Homeland Security explained that Secret Service agents believed Padilla might have been a threat because he didn’t clearly identify himself or wear his Senate identification pin.
“He was warned several times to step back but did not comply,” the statement read. “Agents responded as they were trained to do.”
Padilla’s Team Calls Out “Overreach” and Abuse
Padilla’s office stood by the senator’s decision to confront Noem, claiming he was fulfilling his duty as a public servant by demanding accountability.
A spokesperson said he was there for a federal briefing and intended to ask legitimate questions during the conference.
“He wasn’t detained,” they clarified, “but we’re still trying to get more information about how things escalated so quickly.”
Allies Rally Behind Padilla
The backlash to the incident was swift.
California Governor Gavin Newsom didn’t mince words, calling the moment “outrageous” and saying it exposed “dictatorial” behavior by the Trump administration.
“This must stop. If they can handcuff a U.S. senator for speaking out, think of what they’ll do to ordinary Americans,” Newsom said on social media.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who Padilla succeeded in the Senate, also spoke out.
“He was demanding answers on behalf of Californians,” she said. “This was a shocking abuse of power.”
Even some Republicans were alarmed.
Senator Lisa Murkowski called the episode “horrible” and “not the America I know.”
Noem Doubles Down on Her View
Despite bipartisan criticism, Noem held firm in her belief that Padilla’s actions were performative.
“He came in without notice, started shouting, and disrupted the event,” she said during a Fox News interview.
“It wasn’t professional, and it certainly wasn’t how a U.S. senator should behave.”
Still, Noem emphasized that their private meeting afterward had been productive.
“I’m always open to dialogue. But let’s do it the right way,” she added.