The original content of Democracy Now! Headlines appears under the Creative
Commons BY-NC-ND 3.0 License (United States). For more, including their other
shows and media, visit www.democracynow.org.
June 18, 2025

Sen. Alex Padilla Recounts Being Handcuffed at Kristi Noem Press Conference
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Capitol Hill, California Democratic Senator Alex Padilla took to the
Senator floor Tuesday to recount how federal agents shoved him onto a
hallway floor and handcuffed him last week when he attempted to ask a
question during a press conference by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi
Noem.

Sen. Alex Padilla: "I was pushed and pulled, struggled to maintain my
balance. I was forced to the ground, first on my knees and then flat on
my chest. And as I was handcuffed and marched down a hallway … If that
is what the administration is willing to do to a United States senator
for having the authority to simply ask a question, imagine what they'll
do to any American who dares to speak up."



.