California’s U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from a press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other Trump administration officials Thursday morning.

Sen. Alex Padilla was forced to the ground and handcuffed after he interrupted a press conference by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at the Wilshire Federal Building. He was released shortly thereafter.

Sen. Alex Padilla's detention by law enforcement at a DHS press conference sparked divided reactions, with most Republicans condemning his behavior.

Democratic lawmaker had said he wanted to ask questions at the event hosted by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other federal officials.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was in Los Angeles Thursday morning providing an update on immigration operations and protests in the area, when she was interrupted by Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla,

Now the senior U.S. senator from California, Alex Padilla’s career in public service started amid intense fervor over immigration in the early 1990s. Now, it comes full circle.

Bay Area Republican strategist Matt Shupe described Padilla’s attempt to abruptly question Noem “pure political theatrics.”

Hours after senior U.S. Senator Alex Padilla of California was forcibly removed from a press briefing with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, House Democrats roamed the Capitol seeking an audience with GOP leadership.