House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) called for the censure of Democratic Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) following a controversial incident at a Los Angeles press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The confrontation, which has sparked intense partisan debate, saw Padilla forcibly removed and handcuffed by federal agents after attempting to question Noem about ongoing immigration enforcement operations. Johnson described Padilla’s actions as “wildly inappropriate,” arguing that they warrant “at a minimum, a censure” by the Senate, emphasizing that senators should not “charge” cabinet officials. The incident, captured on video, shows Padilla identifying himself as a U.S. senator before being pushed out of the room and restrained face-down in a hallway.
The episode unfolded amid heightened tensions in Los Angeles, where protests against President Donald Trump’s immigration raids have led to the deployment of National Guard and Marine troops. Padilla, California’s first Latino senator and a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s panel on immigration, was in the city to oversee federal operations. According to his office, he was at the Wilshire Federal Building for a briefing with General Gregory Guillot when he learned of Noem’s press conference. Attempting to ask about the administration’s actions, Padilla was quickly escorted out by FBI and Secret Service agents, who later claimed he failed to wear a Senate security pin and appeared to “lunge” at Noem. Padilla’s supporters, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, decried the incident as “dictatorial” and an “abuse of power.”
Democrats have rallied behind Padilla, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer calling the “manhandling” of a senator “sickening” and demanding answers. Senator Adam Schiff labeled it an “assault on democracy,” while former Vice President Kamala Harris called it a “stunning abuse of power.” The Congressional Hispanic Caucus demanded a full investigation, with Representative Adriano Espaillat calling for the arrest of the agents involved. Conversely, Republicans like Johnson and Representative Steve Scalise accused Padilla of seeking attention and escalating tensions, with some, like Senator Lindsey Graham, dismissing his actions as “political theater.” Noem later met with Padilla for 15 minutes, describing the conversation as “productive,” though she maintained he should have requested a meeting beforehand.
The incident has fueled broader debates about the Trump administration’s immigration policies and the use of federal forces in domestic settings. A federal judge’s order on June 12 blocked Trump’s deployment of the California National Guard, returning control to Governor Newsom. Democrats argue that Padilla’s treatment reflects authoritarian tactics, while Republicans insist it underscores the need for order amid protests. Social media posts on X reflect the divide, with some praising Johnson’s call for censure and others condemning it as an attack on democratic oversight. As the Senate considers potential disciplinary action, the incident highlights the deepening rift between parties and raises questions about the balance between security and the rights of elected officials to challenge administration policies.
