WASHINGTON – Sen. Alex Padilla delivered an emotional floor speech June 17, his first remarks on the Senate floor since the California Democrat was dragged out of a press conference in Los Angeles held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, pushed to the floor, and handcuffed.
"You've seen the video. 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," Padilla said as he choked back tears. "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."
Federal law enforcement agents forcibly removed Padilla from Noem's June 12 press conference after he interrupted the event amid mass protests over the administration’s immigration crackdown.
More: 'Unhinged': Democrats are furious Sen. Alex Padilla was hauled out of Noem briefing
Noem’s agency oversees Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, which had been carrying out raids in Los Angeles. Protesters flooded the nation's second most populous city's downtown for days, some of which devolved into violence as protesters burned cars and looted buildings.
