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A message from League of United Latin American Citizens



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LULAC CONDEMNS ASSAULT, REMOVAL, AND HANDCUFFING OF U.S. SENATOR ALEX PADILLA
FROM DHS PRESS CONFERENCE IN LOS ANGELES
=============================================================================


Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Demands Full
Investigation into Shocking Violation of Constitutional Freedoms

LOS ANGELES, CA — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) expresses
its deepest outrage and condemnation following the shocking physical assault,
removal, and handcuffing of U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) from a Department of
Homeland Security press conference led by Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles on
Thursday. The disturbing incident, caught on video, shows multiple men forcefully
grabbing Senator Padilla and dragging him out of the room after he attempted to
ask Secretary Noem direct questions regarding ongoing ICE operations in
California.

"What happened to Senator Alex Padilla is nothing less than an outrageous abuse
of power and a direct assault on our democracy," says Roman Palomares, LULAC
National President and Chairman of the Board. "That a Latino U.S. Senator was
physically removed from a public press event simply because he dared to ask tough
questions of a federal cabinet official is unacceptable and will not be silently
tolerated in our country. LULAC demands an immediate investigation and
appropriate charges against those responsible for laying hands on an elected
lawmaker performing his constitutional duty. Every American—regardless of
party—should be enraged by this attack on free speech and civil accountability.
We salute Senator Padilla for his courage and resolve in standing up for our
community and the Constitution."

The video captures [ [link removed] ]
Senator Padilla identifying himself and requesting accountability: "I'm Sen. Alex
Padilla. I have questions for the secretary." Despite his standing as a duly
elected federal official, he was manhandled and pushed out while shouting, "Hands
off!" Noem later acknowledged the confrontation, calling it "inappropriate."
Still, her comments fell far short of addressing the seriousness of the assault
on a sitting U.S. senator.

LULAC urges all Americans to contact their elected representatives and demand
that such undemocratic actions never become the norm. The removal of Senator
Padilla is a dangerous signal of how far this administration will go to silence
dissent and intimidate those demanding justice. Also, the U.S. Senate should
convene an emergency session to call Secretary Noem to account.

"We cannot, and must not, accept this as the new normal," says Palomares. "LULAC
will continue to speak out boldly against the campaign of fear and repression
being waged against undocumented immigrants and the Latino community at large.
Senator Padilla is not only a courageous public servant—he is an American hero
standing up for the rights and freedoms guaranteed to every person in this
nation," says Palomares.

# # #

About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and
largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to
advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy,
community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide,
LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of
Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about
LULAC and its initiatives, please visit www.LULAC.org [ [link removed] ] .















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