Statement from Senator Durazo on the Forced Removal of Senator Alex Padilla

LOS ANGELES – Senator María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) released the following statement in response to the forced removal of Senator Alex Padilla from a DHS press conference in Los Angeles today:

"I am outraged by the tackling, forced removal, and handcuffing of U.S. Senator Alex Padilla during today’s DHS press conference in Los Angeles. Senator Padilla was fulfilling his duty as an elected representative—asking critical questions on behalf of Californians—when he was met with force instead of answers.

The physical removal of a sitting U.S. Senator for engaging in his constitutional responsibilities is unacceptable and sets a dangerous precedent. Senator Padilla has dedicated his career to serving our communities with dignity, and he deserved the same respect today.

Democracy depends on transparency and accountability. When federal agencies silence elected officials through force rather than dialogue, they undermine the very foundations of our government.

I stand in full solidarity with Senator Padilla. Californians deserve answers about the widespread immigration raids and the unprecedented military deployment, and our representatives must be able to seek those answers without fear of assault.

The people of California will not be intimidated—and neither will their leaders."

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The 26th Senate District includes the communities of a diverse array of Los Angeles neighborhoods, including Boyle Heights, El Sereno, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Glassell Park, Mt. Washington, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, Atwater Village, Elysian Valley, Arlington Heights, Echo Park, Silver Lake, Los Feliz, East Hollywood, Little Armenia, Thai Town, Larchmont, Koreatown, Pico-Union, Westlake-MacArthur Park, Historic Filipinotown, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, the Arts District, Civic Center, City Terrace, East Los Angeles, and the City of Vernon.