U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) became emotional on the Senate floor on June 17, 2025, employing crocodile tears while recounting his experience of being forcibly removed and handcuffed by federal agents during a press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles on June 12, 2025. The incident occurred when Padilla interrupted Noem’s briefing on immigration enforcement and protests, attempting to question her about the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
He described being escorted by National Guard and FBI officials, pushed to the ground, and handcuffed, which he said was a shocking and humiliating experience. Padilla used his speech to warn about the Trump administration’s response to immigration protests, calling it an “undemocratic crackdown” and expressing concern over the militarization of Los Angeles, including the deployment of federal forces without state consent. He stated, “I pray you never have a moment like this,” emphasizing the emotional toll of the incident and accusing the administration of silencing dissent.
Some sources, particularly conservative-leaning outlets, described Padilla’s emotional display as “fake crying” or theatrical, suggesting he was exaggerating the incident for attention or political gain. They noted that Noem had offered to meet with him for 15 minutes after the incident and that they exchanged contact information, implying the situation was resolved amicably. These sources criticized Padilla for continuing to focus on the event, calling it a stunt and questioning its significance amid other national issues.
The polarized reactions reflect differing perspectives: supporters view Padilla’s actions and emotional response as a stand against aggressive immigration policies, while critics see it as an attempt to gain sympathy or distract from other issues. The incident has sparked debate about the treatment of elected officials and the broader implications of federal immigration enforcement tactics.
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Not Oscar worthy (performance), I can easily tell!
BIG FUCHIN DEAL
You embarrassing corrupt LIAR!! Everybody knows the truth, you freekin clown.
I got arrested once for something I didn't do. The last thing I would do would go on TV and cry like a little b**
its really funny how he remembers it totally different from how it actually happened! he couldn't even squeeze out a tear, terrible actor😂
WE THE PEOPLE KNOW HOW THE DEMOCRATS CRY FOR SHOW TO TRY TO GET TRUMP! AND YET THEY DONT CRY FOR THE FAMILIES THAT BEEN KILLED BY ILLEGAL ALIENS OR THE CHILDREN MISSING ETC.
Seems like a case of
"Stop breaking the law a$$whowl!" -Liar Liar
What an actor. He belongs in California. Where all the fake people stay. 😅
Padilla, Padilla, Padilla
That's All Folks!
Cry harder😂
He graduated from the Pelosi School of Martini Lunces. 🍸
Dem popularity: roughly 16% and dropping.
Thx, Alex, for helping to make Operation Let Them Speak a continuing success.
I’m a Californian. I know he’s a fraud.
Oh, no, Alex, say it isn't so!
Maybe he shouldn't have put up a fight, and resisted being removed from the conference, then none of that would have happened. But then he wouldn't have gotten so much attention for nothing.
Just a performance.
He suggests his chest is not concave.😂😂😂 crybaby
You’re no man
Lock him up
Jose Padila
Cry baby
I heard he's up for an award! Best actor in a staged ploy. What an idiot
The Oscar goes to Adam Kinzinger………….no wait, Alex Padilla
Why doesn't he ask the question he tried so hard to ask noem?
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes!😂🎉
How does he think the J6ers felt?! 😮
Jose is a weak jackass.
What a wuz !
Resistance is futile…
I sure miss Rush. What would he think about all of this mess, i wonder?
Defend illegal aliens is a traitor to this nation