Democratic Senator Shoved to the Ground, Detained After Attempting to Question Kristi Noem During Press Conference

A Democratic senator was shoved to the ground and forcefully arrested after interrupting Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's press conference in Los Angeles.

California Sen. Alex Padilla could be seen pushing against security officials as he attempted to approach Noem during her Thursday conference on immigration in video captured and shared by Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin.

"I'm Sen. Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary because the fact of the matter is, half a dozen criminals that you're rotating on your—," the lawmaker said as he was pushed out of the room by multiple officials.

Once Padilla is removed out of the doors, he can be heard saying, "Hands off!"

The senator was then taken to a hallway, where he was seen in another clip being pushed down on his knees before being shoved to the ground as FBI officials detained him. The three officers then work together to handcuff his hands behind his back.

Moments before Padilla's removal, Noem had been discussing the anti-ICE protests happening across Los Angeles. She said her officer planned to stay in the city "to liberate ... from the socialist and burdensome leadership that this governor and this mayor have placed on this country."

Noem kept talking as Padilla attempted to address her directly.

"Secretary, I want to know why you insist on exaggerating and—," Padilla said before be cut off as the scuffle with security officials ensued.

After the senator was removed from the press conference, Noem condemned Padilla's actions as "inappropriate," adding that he had not asked to meet with her privately, the Associated Press reported.

Noem seemed to imply later, during an appearance on Fox News, that Padilla will not face any charges for the incident, denying assertions that he had been arrested. She said she "had a conversation with the senator after this," claiming that "no one knew who he was."

Padilla's arrest drew swift backlash from his Democratic colleagues who called the lawmaker's treatment "outrageous" and "a disgrace."

"Senator Alex Padilla is one of the most decent people I know. This is outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful," California Gov. Gavin Newsom tweeted. "Trump and his shock troops are out of control. This must end now."

"Let's call it what it is: a disgraceful abuse of power. Senator Alex Padilla was dragged and handcuffed out for daring to question Secretary Noem. This wasn't a threat—it was dissent. They're not keeping us safe—they're silencing us," California Rep. Norma Torres said in a post to X.

"The brazen and aggressive manhandling of Senator Padilla by the Trump administration is a sickening disgrace," New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries wrote on X. "Anyone who assaulted the Senator should be held accountable. No one is above the law."

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.