Senator Alex Padilla Forcibly Removed From DHS Press Conference In Escalating Standoff Over Immigration Policy

By Devin Breitenberg

In a stunning and unprecedented scene on Capitol Hill, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla of California was forcibly removed by security personnel from a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) press conference Tuesday morning after refusing to yield the floor during a heated exchange over recent federal immigration actions.

The event, intended as a briefing on the status of nationwide immigration enforcement operations, quickly devolved into chaos when Padilla confronted DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over what he described as “state-sanctioned terror” in immigrant communities across California.

Padilla, a vocal critic of the Biden administration’s approach to immigration enforcement in sanctuary jurisdictions, demanded to speak after being denied a formal response period. When DHS staff attempted to move on, Padilla stepped in front of the podium, refusing to leave until his questions were addressed.

Tense Confrontation Unfolds

Eyewitnesses described an atmosphere of escalating tension as Padilla accused the department of “using federal muscle to intimidate families, tear children from homes, and silence dissent.” His remarks drew loud applause from several attendees, including advocates and members of immigrant rights groups invited to observe the briefing.

After nearly five minutes of back-and-forth, security officers approached Padilla and instructed him to vacate the stage. The senator refused, prompting a physical intervention. He was escorted out of the room amid shouts of protest from supporters and stunned silence from agency officials.

Padilla did not appear to resist but was clearly angry, stating as he was removed, “You will not silence California. You will not silence the people you’re targeting.”

Political Fallout

The incident has already sparked sharp political responses. Progressive lawmakers rallied behind Padilla, praising his actions as a courageous stand against federal overreach. Representative Ayanna Pressley tweeted, “Alex Padilla stood up for families today. That’s leadership.”

Others, however, condemned his behavior as disruptive and inappropriate. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell issued a statement calling the episode “a reckless breach of decorum,” warning that “no elected official is above the rule of order.”

The White House has not yet commented, but sources within the administration expressed frustration behind the scenes, describing the press conference as an opportunity “hijacked for political grandstanding.”

Growing Backlash To Immigration Raids

The press conference was scheduled in response to growing national backlash over a series of recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in California, New York, Illinois, and other sanctuary jurisdictions. In Los Angeles, the raids triggered mass protests and civil unrest, leading to hundreds of arrests and a citywide curfew enforced by National Guard troops.

Padilla, California’s junior senator and the son of Mexican immigrants, has been a staunch opponent of the raids. He has accused the DHS of targeting communities with high Latino and immigrant populations and has called for an immediate moratorium on all ICE operations in sanctuary states.

Speaking to reporters after being escorted from the event, Padilla remained defiant. “This administration is out of step with the American people. These raids are not law enforcement—they are fear campaigns.”

Legal And Institutional Implications

While rare, the physical removal of a sitting U.S. senator from a federal press event raises constitutional and procedural questions. Legal scholars have already begun debating whether DHS overstepped by treating an elected official as a disruptive civilian.

“No senator should be manhandled by federal security,” said a Georgetown constitutional law professor. “There are real questions about the limits of agency authority in settings involving co-equal branches of government.”

Padilla’s team has not indicated whether he plans to pursue legal action or file a formal complaint. However, sources close to the senator said he is preparing to introduce new legislation that would curtail DHS's discretionary powers and provide additional protections for immigrant communities.

A Boiling Point

Tuesday’s incident adds yet another flashpoint in what has become one of the most polarizing chapters in the ongoing national debate over immigration. With protests continuing in major cities, and more lawmakers breaking ranks with the administration, it’s clear that tensions are far from cooling.

As Padilla exited the building later that day, he was greeted by a crowd of supporters chanting, “We stand with Alex!” He responded with a raised fist and a brief statement to the press: “If defending my constituents gets me thrown out, then throw me out again. I’ll never back down.”

For many, this wasn’t just a protest — it was a line drawn in the sand. And in the volatile political climate of 2025, it may be one of many to come.

Devin Breitenberg is a legal consultant and senior counsel at Devin Law LLC and legal contributor  for Veritas Expositae.  You can reach her at devin.breitenberg@veritasexpositae.com