Fact Check: "Sen. Padilla was forcibly removed from a DHS press conference."
What We Know
On June 12, 2025, Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was forcibly removed from a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) press conference held by Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles. Padilla attended the press conference in an attempt to ask questions regarding the Trump administration's military deployment in response to immigration protests in the city. According to reports, he was escorted into the room by National Guard and FBI officials but was subsequently grabbed and removed when he attempted to speak. Padilla described the incident as being pushed to the ground, handcuffed, and escorted out while repeatedly asking why he was being detained (source-1, source-2, source-5).
Padilla later recounted the event in a Senate floor speech, expressing that the incident was emblematic of what he termed the Trump administration's "undemocratic crackdown" on protests. He emphasized the implications of federal law enforcement's role in local governance and the potential dangers of militarization without local consent (source-2, source-8).
Analysis
The claim that Senator Padilla was forcibly removed from a DHS press conference is corroborated by multiple credible news sources. Reports from NPR, NBC News, and CNN provide consistent accounts of the incident, detailing Padilla's attempts to question Secretary Noem and the subsequent forceful removal by law enforcement officials. Padilla's own recounting of the event during his Senate speech adds a personal and emotional perspective, reinforcing the factual basis of the claim (source-1, source-5, source-8).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. The incident was also covered by various outlets, indicating a significant level of public interest and media scrutiny. The DHS initially accused Padilla of "disrespectful political theatre," but this statement does not negate the factual occurrence of his removal (source-2, source-5).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Senator Padilla was forcibly removed from a DHS press conference is true. Multiple credible sources confirm that he was indeed removed against his will while attempting to ask a question during Secretary Noem's press conference. The consistent reporting across various media outlets and Padilla's own testimony substantiate the claim.
Sources
- WATCH: Padilla Delivers Floor Speech Following His Forcible Removal From DHS Press Conference
- Sen. Alex Padilla recounts his removal from DHS news conference in emotional Senate speech
- Sen. Alex Padilla forcibly removed from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's press conference
- US senator forcefully removed from DHS event in LA
