Democrats Call for Investigation After Padilla Forcibly Removed From Noem Press Conference

Several top Democrats are demanding an investigation after Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was forcibly removed and briefly restrained after interrupting a press conference being held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on June 13. Democrats describe the incident as a disturbing abuse of power, while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains that Padilla disregarded protocol and was perceived as a threat. Padilla interrupted the event in Los Angeles and attempted to ask Noem a question related to immigration enforcement and recent protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the city. He was quickly removed from the room by federal agents and, in a hallway outside, restrained. DHS later said officers believed Padilla was “lunging” toward the Cabinet secretary and failed to identify himself or wear his Senate pin....