Sen. Gallego Praises Arrested Colleague for Bold Disruption at DHS Conference

By Staff Reporter |

Senator Ruben Gallego spoke out in support of California Senator Alex Padilla, who was detained during a media event moderated by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles. Padilla interrupted the news conference, which was focused on immigration, prompting federal agents to remove him from the venue.

The incident unfolded as Padilla approached Noem’s podium, attempting to ask questions without initially identifying himself. According to Padilla, after revealing his status as a senator, he was aggressively pushed out and handcuffed. “If that’s how they treat a U.S. Senator with questions, imagine what they could do to an average American,” Padilla stated.

Footage from the scene indicated that Padilla’s attire and behavior raised doubts about his claim to be a senator during the disruption. Padilla’s actions resulted in multiple social media posts highlighting the altercation, with some users suggesting that he acted inappropriately.

Gallego characterized the incident as a “raw abuse of power” emanating from the current administration’s treatment of immigration-related issues. “They shoved, pinned, and handcuffed Senator Padilla for simply asking a question,” he remarked. His supportive tweet emphasized the seriousness of the event, framing it as an assault on democratic processes.

Noem defended her actions in subsequent interviews, claiming that Padilla’s interruption was disruptive. She later met with him to discuss his concerns, lamenting their ideological differences but acknowledging the importance of dialogue.

The detainment occurred in the aftermath of a federal court ruling that transferred California National Guard authority back to Governor Gavin Newsom, a move the Trump administration has appealed. Gallego’s remarks came ahead of planned nationwide anti-ICE protests coinciding with President Trump’s birthday. Recent demonstrations in Los Angeles had escalated into violence, raising concerns about safety.

A group known as No Kings has organized numerous protests across Arizona, urging peaceful demonstrations amid fears of potential unrest. Governor Katie Hobbs has voiced support for the anti-ICE protesters in California, criticizing Trump’s deployment of the National Guard as both ineffective and disrespectful to local authorities.