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Indian-American lawmakers denounce detention of Senator Padilla
Padilla, who represents California in the U.S. Senate, was reportedly handcuffed and removed by federal officers.
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Malvika Choudhary - Fri, 13, Jun 2025
- 15:54 EDT
- 29
Pramila Jayapal, Alex Padilla, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Kamala Harris / Wikipedia
The temporary detention of United States Senator Alex Padilla in Southern California on June 12 drew sharp condemnation from Indian-American lawmakers and advocacy groups, who called the incident a troubling sign of government overreach and intimidation.
Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) termed the incident “absolutely outrageous,” writing on X, “This is a US Senator — full stop. To treat him like this is beyond the pale and the mark of an authoritarian regime. If they can do this to a sitting Senator, just think about what they can do to you. Absolutely no one should be treated this way.”
This is absolutely outrageous. This is a US Senator — full stop. To treat him like this is beyond the pale and the mark of an authoritarian regime.
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) June 12, 2025
If they can do this to a sitting Senator, just think about what they can do to you. Absolutely no one should be treated this way. https://t.co/kFAa3PsRVm
Also Read: Democratic US Senator Padilla forced to ground, handcuffed by security agents
Padilla, who represents California in the U.S. Senate, was briefly handcuffed and escorted out by federal officers after standing up to ask a question to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during her press conference in Los Angeles. Video footage shows Padilla identifying himself—saying, “I am Senator Alex Padilla. I have questions for the Secretary”—before being forcibly removed. He was released shortly afterward and later addressed the media.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris also weighed in, stating, “United States Senator Alex Padilla was representing the millions of Californians who are demanding answers to this Administration’s actions in Southern California. This is a shameful and stunning abuse of power.”
United States Senator Alex Padilla was representing the millions of Californians who are demanding answers to this Administration's actions in Southern California.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) June 12, 2025
This is a shameful and stunning abuse of power.pic.twitter.com/ODTNb92JE4
Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) described the events as “despicable,” adding, “Sen. Padilla is the elected representative of 40 million Americans. This Administration is detaining citizens in broad daylight and terrifying our communities, all while refusing to answer questions. I will be calling on Secretary Noem to testify in the House Oversight Committee immediately to explain why she thinks this is acceptable.”
This is despicable. @SenAlexPadilla is the elected representative of 40 million Americans. This Administration is detaining citizens in broad daylight and terrifying our communities, all while refusing to answer questions. I will be calling on Secretary Noem to testify in the… https://t.co/ltdFZqALKG
— Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (@CongressmanRaja) June 12, 2025
The incident has also triggered responses from civil rights organizations. The advocacy group Indian American Impact, which focuses on the interests of immigrant communities, posted, “When even U.S. Senators are forcibly removed and handcuffed for seeking the truth, the message is clear: no one is safe. This is about a repressive, lawless agenda targeting immigrants and silencing dissent. We won’t stand by.”
We stand in full support of @AlexPadilla4CA.
— Indian American Impact (@IA_Impact) June 13, 2025
When even U.S. Senators are forcibly removed and handcuffed for seeking the truth, the message is clear: no one is safe.
This is about a repressive, lawless agenda targeting immigrants and silencing dissent.
We won’t stand by. https://t.co/PuY3ZvZHfR
Senator Padilla, the son of Mexican immigrants and a staunch advocate for immigrant rights, was appointed to the Senate in 2021 and later elected to a full term.
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