U.S. Homeland Security Chief Noem met with Padilla after his removal from press conference - spokesperson on X

U.S. Homeland Security Chief Noem met with Padilla after his removal from press conference - spokesperson on X

In an unprecedented incident, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, D-Calif., was forcibly removed from a press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles on June 12, 2025. The removal, which occurred during Noem's address on immigration policies and protests, sparked immediate reactions from political figures and the public.

According to reports, Padilla attempted to question Noem during the press conference, but was quickly removed by security personnel. Video footage shows Padilla being physically pushed out of the room and subsequently handcuffed by FBI agents. The incident was condemned by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who described the event as "outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful," and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, which demanded a full investigation [1].

Following the incident, Noem and Padilla met privately to discuss the situation. A spokesperson for Noem confirmed the meeting on X, stating that the two would have a conversation about the event. The meeting was seen as a step towards addressing the tense political climate surrounding immigration policies and protests in Los Angeles.

The incident has raised questions about the role of law enforcement and the balance between political oversight and security protocols during public events. As of now, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Padilla's office have not provided immediate comments on the matter [2].

References:
[1] https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/sen-alex-padilla-forcibly-removed-dhs-sec-kristi-noems-press-conferenc-rcna212688
[2] https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2025/06/12/sen-alex-padilla-forcibly-removed-from-kristi-noems-press-conference-in-los-angeles/