Concerns have been raised following the detention of a senator who raised questions about Donald Trump’s ICE raids.
Los Angeles has experienced civil unrest over the past week due to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests in Latino-majority areas.
Vehicles were set ablaze, resulting in thick black smoke billowing into the sky and occasional explosions as the electric cars burned.
Last weekend saw an escalation in the riots, prompting President Trump to send in National Guard troops.
“If Governor Gavin Newscum [sic], of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can’t do their jobs, which everyone knows they can’t, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!” he declared on Truth Social.
Even though the level of unrest has decreased somewhat, tensions are still palpable in Los Angeles and other regions of the US.
On Thursday, June 12, tensions rose when Senator Alex Padilla was removed from a Homeland Security news conference while attempting to pose a question.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem led a news briefing at the Wilshire Federal Building to share updates.
When federal officials declined to disclose the number of arrests made recently, Padilla interjected with a question, but secret service agents intervened and escorted him out, as reported by the LA Times.
“I’m Senator Alex Padilla,” he reportedly shouted. “I have questions for the secretary.”
Images circulating on the internet depict Padilla handcuffed on the ground by officials, sparking widespread concern online.
Homeland Security issued a statement on X, saying: “Senator Padilla chose disrespectful political theatre and interrupted a live press conference without identifying himself or having his Senate security pin on as he lunged toward Secretary Noem.”
“Mr. Padilla was told repeatedly to back away and did not comply with officers’ repeated commands. @SecretService thought he was an attacker and officers acted appropriately.
“Secretary Noem met with Senator Padilla after and held a 15 minute meeting.”
After the incident, Padilla addressed journalists, urging people to protest peacefully against the Trump administration’s policies.
“There is a lot of concern, there is a lot of tension, there is a lot of anxiety,” he remarked.
“I encourage everybody to please peacefully protest, just like I was calmly and peacefully listening to that press conference and preparing, attempting to ask a question.”