Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was manhandled and handcuffed as he was forcibly removed from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s press conference in Los Angeles on Thursday.
As Noem discussed the immigration raids in the region, Padilla said aloud, “You insist on exaggerating,” according to video footage of the press conference. His remark prompted at least two men to approach him and push him out of the room despite immediately identifying himself as a U.S. senator with questions for Noem.
The words “sir, sir” and “hands up, hands up” can be heard in the footage as Padilla is being yanked and shoved.
A seemingly unfazed Noem continued speaking as he was removed.
After Padilla was outside the room where the press conference was being held, he can be heard saying, “Hands off.”
Three men, two wearing bulletproof vests, directed Padilla to the ground, told him to put his hands behind his back, and then handcuffed him. Padilla did not appear to resist, according to a video from a member of Padilla’s staff.
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