U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was forcibly removed from a news conference on immigration held in Los Angeles on Thursday after he interrupted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The dramatic moment came as tensions rise nationwide over federal immigration enforcement actions, particularly in California.

Padilla, who represents one of the states most affected by recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, began shouting questions at Noem shortly after she took the podium. “I’m Sen. Alex Padilla. I have questions for the Secretary,” he said, before being restrained by several security personnel and ushered out through double doors. As he was being removed, he could be heard shouting, “Hands off!”

The confrontation reportedly stemmed from Padilla’s frustration with what he called a lack of dialogue between federal officials and local representatives on immigration policies and enforcement tactics.

Secretary Noem, after resuming the press conference, criticized Padilla’s approach. “I think everybody in America would agree that that was inappropriate,” she said. “If you wanted to have a civil discussion, especially as a public official, you would reach out and try to have a conversation.”

She added that Padilla had not requested a meeting prior to the event. “When I leave here, I’ll find him and visit and find out really what his concerns were,” Noem said. “But this was not the way.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the incident, tweeting, “@SenAlexPadilla is one of the most decent people I know. This is outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful. Trump and his shock troops are out of control. This must end now.”

The clash comes amid heightened tensions in California, where ICE has conducted a series of controversial raids across Los Angeles. Protests have erupted in several neighborhoods, with reports of isolated riots. In response, former President Donald Trump—who has reasserted influence over immigration enforcement policy—has authorized the deployment of the National Guard and Marines to support ICE operations.

Padilla’s office has yet to issue a formal statement, but allies say the senator was attempting to demand answers on the increasing federal presence and its impact on immigrant communities in the state.

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