Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s press conference in Los Angeles turned chaotic on Thursday when California Senator Alex Padilla was forcefully removed from the venue after repeatedly disrupting the event. The briefing, which centered on the city’s escalating unrest linked to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, took a dramatic turn when Padilla clashed with Noem over her remarks.
As Noem criticized California’s leadership, accusing them of undermining federal efforts and aligning with “socialist” ideologies, Padilla interrupted loudly from the crowd. “Secretary, I want to know why you insist on exaggerating and embellishing,” he shouted, attempting to speak over her.
Despite his objections, Noem continued her address, prompting security personnel to step in and escort the senator out. “Hands off!” Padilla exclaimed while trying to resist being physically removed from the premises.
Still struggling as he was led away, Padilla shouted, “I’m Sen. Alex Padilla, I have questions for the secretary,” and tried to press his concerns. “Because the fact of the matter is that a half a dozen criminals that you’re rotating on your … on your …”
Before he could finish, security silenced him, and he repeated “Hands off!” several more times before he was ultimately removed and the event resumed.
Padilla’s remarks seemed to reference recent ICE raids that had led to the arrests of several undocumented immigrants with serious criminal records. These arrests, according to Department of Homeland Security reports, were among the key events that sparked the current wave of protests and riots in Los Angeles.
Following the incident, Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin reported that Padilla was “temporarily detained” and later had a private discussion with Noem behind closed doors after the press conference concluded.
During her prepared remarks, Noem had pledged that the federal deployment of Marines and National Guard units would not be withdrawn until the mission in Los Angeles was accomplished. She had just declared that the government would “liberate this city” when Padilla’s interruption began.
“We are staying here to liberate this city from the socialist and the burdensome leadership that this governor and this mayor have placed on this country,” she stated, referring to Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
Padilla, who was born and raised in Los Angeles and is the son of Mexican immigrants, has repeatedly spoken out against the Trump administration’s handling of the crisis in his hometown.
“This is not a rebellion,” he told NBC Los Angeles earlier in the week, countering assertions by President Trump and administration officials who had characterized the demonstrations as an “insurrection.”
{Matzav.com}