Democrats Call for Investigation After Padilla Forcibly Removed From Noem Press Conference

Some Democrats called the Padilla incident an abuse of power and demanded accountability, while another labeled it political theater.

Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) is pushed out of the room as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem holds a news conference regarding the recent protests in Los Angeles on June 12, 2025. Etienne Laurent/AP Photo

Several top Democrats are demanding an investigation after Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was forcibly removed and briefly restrained after interrupting a press conference being held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on June 12.

Democrats describe the incident as a disturbing abuse of power, while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains that Padilla disregarded protocol and was perceived as a threat.