A progressive senator who began to shout at Kristi Noem and was subsequently ejected from a press conference struggled to contain his emotions while recounting the event to journalists, passionately criticizing the Trump Administration and attributing his removal to them.
For context, Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) was forcibly expelled from a news conference led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on June 12, 2025, after he started to disrupt the event by yelling and interrupting Secretary Noem. Later that day, the senator appeared visibly upset and nearly broke down in tears while describing the incident, stating that he was “forced to the ground” and placed in handcuffs.
In a statement to the media, Senator Padilla clarified that while he had been “awaiting a scheduled briefing from federal officials,” he discovered that “the Secretary was conducting a press conference just a few doors down the hall.” He further remarked, “Since the start of the year—particularly in recent weeks—many of my colleagues and I have been requesting the Department of Homeland Security for more information and clarity regarding their increasingly aggressive immigration enforcement measures.”
As he continued, Senator Padilla became more emotional, expressing that he “attended the press conference to hear her remarks and to see if I could gain any new or additional insights.” In an effort to justify his actions, he told reporters, “At one point, I had a question. Let me stress, just as we advocate for the right of individuals to peacefully protest and uphold their First Amendment rights—for our fundamental rights—I was present in a peaceful manner.”
Subsequently, Senator Padilla stated that he was “almost immediately and forcibly removed from the room” after he “began to pose” a question. He clarified, “I was not arrested. I was not detained.” The senator then took aim at the Trump Administration, contending that if “this is how this administration reacts to a senator with a question…you can only imagine.
Furthermore, as reported by the Associated Press, Senator Padilla’s fellow Democrats expressed their astonishment upon witnessing the footage of the senator being escorted out of the conference. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) remarked, “I showed it to as many people as I could.” Additionally, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) stated, “What was particularly difficult for me to observe was that a member of this body was brought to his knees and compelled to kneel before authorities.”
Moreover, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) predictably commented to the media, “This is what a dictatorship looks like” in relation to Senator Padilla’s expulsion. He further asserted, “We must take a stand.” Furthermore, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer expressed that viewing the video of Senator Padilla’s removal from the conference “made me feel nauseated.”
Moreover, even some Republicans reportedly voiced their disapproval of Senator Padilla’s forceful ejection from the conference. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), who has been labeled a “RINO” by some, stated, “It appears as though he is being manhandled and physically removed, and it is difficult to conceive of a justification for that.”
View Senator Padilla’s heartfelt statement:
Senator Alex Padilla is crying on live television after his arrest.
These are not serious people.
pic.twitter.com/5RwdnuDRsw— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) June 12, 2025
