Conservatives have strongly criticized Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla after he was removed from a Department of Homeland Security press conference in Los Angeles, which has intensified existing political tensions between California officials and the Trump administration. The incident occurred during a press briefing led by Secretary Kristi Noem, a Trump appointee, when Padilla, who was in the city for congressional oversight, attempted to interrupt the event. Noem expressed that she did not know Pad, which sparked backlash from conservative figures and media outlets. The situation has intensified existing tensions between California leaders and the Trump administration, which recently deployed the National Guard to protect ICE officers amid local opposition.
The event has added to the already volatile political climate around immigration policy in California. President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to guard ICE officers has met with strong opposition from Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, who have called it an unprecedented and potentially dangerous move. Newsom said the deployment “threatens the very core of our democracy.” The tensions have been further fueled by recent clashes between ICE and local authorities in cities like Newark, where DHS Chief Kristi Noem accused lawmakers of committing felonies. Padilla’s office confirmed that the senator was not in police custody and that he was released shortly after the incident.
Conservative leaders and media figures have seized on the incident to criticize Padilla’s conduct, with some calling it a “temper tantrum” and others questioning his commitment to legislative duties. Conservative communications operative Steve Guest posted on X, stating that Padilla “missed Senate votes all week” and that his actions were a result of “fake outrage.” Meanwhile, former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva mocked Padilla for allegedly being absent during previous protests. These remarks reflect the broader political divide over immigration policy and the role of federal versus state authorities in enforcing immigration laws.
Padilla’s office has defended his actions, stating that the senator was merely fulfilling his duty to conduct congressional oversight of federal operations in California. They emphasized that Padilla was in the city to receive a briefing with General Guillot and was listening to Noem’s press conference when he attempted to ask a question. He was forcibly removed by security, but was not detained. The incident has also led to further dialogue between Noem and Padilla, with the DHS chief confirming that they had a meeting after the scuffle and exchanged phone numbers.