Los Angeles County Leaders Condemn Federal Treatment of Senator Alex Padilla
Los Angeles, CA – June 12, 2025 — The shocking treatment of U.S. Senator Alex Padilla at a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) press conference in Los Angeles has sparked immediate outrage from local officials, who condemned the Trump administration’s escalating use of force—even against elected members of Congress.
During a DHS press briefing where Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was speaking, Senator Padilla was physically shoved out of the room, pushed to the ground, and handcuffed by federal agents after he attempted to ask a question regarding the administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement policies. Video from the scene shows Padilla identifying himself as a senator before being forcefully removed and restrained.
In response, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn released a strongly worded statement:
“This administration is out of control! They are shoving to the ground and handcuffing a United States Senator. The entire Trump Administration is unhinged. Senator Padilla is just as much of the Federal Government as they are.
The Trump Administration is abusing their power. They are using force on immigrants in our neighborhoods, their family members, and now on a sitting Senator. Senator Padilla wasn’t interfering with one of their operations. This was at a staged press conference in front of the cameras — all for show.”
Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis echoed Hahn’s outrage in a separate statement:
“What happened to Senator Padilla is outrageous and unacceptable. The Trump administration has crossed every line of decency and constitutional respect. Beyond targeting and profiling immigrants — they’ve now physically targeted elected public officials who are holding them accountable. I stand with Senator Padilla and all those who have been subjected to this kind of treatment.”
Senator Padilla later addressed reporters outside the federal building, confirming he had not been arrested but expressing concern over the implications of such aggressive behavior by federal agents. “If this is how DHS responds to a senator with a question, imagine what they’re doing to farmworkers, to cooks, to day laborers in our communities,” he said.
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation and renewed debate over the Trump administration’s approach to immigration enforcement and the treatment of public officials who challenge its policies. Civil rights groups and advocacy organizations are calling for a formal investigation into the incident and greater oversight of DHS actions.
This marks a new and disturbing escalation in tensions between local and federal officials, raising urgent questions about constitutional rights, abuse of authority, and the safety of those who speak out against government overreach.
