WASHINGTON — Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), condemned the forcible removal of U.S. Senator Alex Padilla from a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) press conference in Los Angeles, calling it an assault on democracy.
The incident occurred at the Los Angeles Federal Building, where federal agents reportedly restrained and removed Padilla, who was conducting congressional oversight. In a statement, Matos accused the Trump administration of systematically undermining democratic norms and criticized the agents’ actions.
“Armed federal officers violently detained a sitting U.S. senator—simply for doing his job,” Matos said. “Even after identifying himself, Senator Padilla was treated with excessive force. This reflects a disturbing pattern of aggression, particularly toward people of color.”
Matos linked the incident to broader concerns over the administration’s immigration enforcement tactics, alleging racial bias in the officers’ response. “They saw a Brown man and reacted with the same brutality we’ve seen against immigrant communities,” she said.
Calling for public outcry, Matos urged unity in defense of democratic principles. “This is not just about one senator—it’s about protecting our democracy. Everyone must speak out.”
The DHS has not yet commented on the incident.
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