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 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.

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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.