June 12, 2025
Secret Service agents handcuff Senator Padilla at DHS press conference
Sitting senator arrest raises separation of powers concerns over federal property rules
✊Civil Rights📰Media Literacy
On Jun. 12, 2025, Secret Service and FBI agents forced Senator Alex Padilla to the ground, handcuffed him, and removed him from DHS Secretary 
Kristi Noem press conference in Los Angeles.
Padilla stated after the incident: I was not arrested. I was not detained. He was released without charges after being positively identified.
The incident occurred at the Los Angeles FBI headquarters, where Noem was discussing Trump administration immigration enforcement operations.
The FBI stated Padilla became disruptive while formal remarks were being delivered and was not wearing his Senate security pin.
Noem and Padilla met for 15 minutes after the incident, which Noem called a great conversation about DHS operations.
Republican Senator Susan Collins called the video very disturbing, and Senate Majority Leader 
John Thune spoke with Padilla and brought in the Senate Sergeant at Arms to investigate.
✊Civil Rights📰Media Literacy
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Which DHS Secretary was Padilla questioning when arrested?
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What charge was filed against Senator Padilla?
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How long was Senator Padilla held in custody?
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What type of congressional activity was Padilla performing when arrested?
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What was Senator Alex Padilla doing when he was arrested?
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Start QuizPeople, bills, and sources
Alex Padilla
U.S. Senator (D-CA)
Kristi Noem
DHS Secretary
U.S. Secret Service
Federal Protection Agency
Chuck Schumer
Senate Minority Leader (D-NY)
John Thune
Senate Majority Leader (R-SD)
Susan Collins
U.S. Senator (R-ME)
Gavin Newsom
Governor of California