NAACP Condemns Forceful Removal of Senator Alex Padilla from Homeland Security Press Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 12, 2025

Contact: Chyna Fields, cfields@naacpnet.org 

WASHINGTON – Today, during a press conference held by Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, law enforcement were seen forcefully removing and arresting Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) after he raised questions about the ongoing raids happening in Los Angeles and across the country.

Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO, shared the following response:

"What we witnessed during today's Homeland Security press conference was a gross abuse of power from the Trump administration. The forceful removal of Senator Padilla is a violation of the duties and oversight function of a sitting U.S. Senator within his own state and is a complete breach of the separation of powers.

"It's becoming increasingly clear that the people of this nation, including our elected officials, are not safe from Trump's authoritarian regime. What we're seeing is the consequences of electing a president who lacks the ability to govern and has begun weaponizing emergency powers, bullying, hate, and unlawful action against the American people. Incidents like this are fundamentally out of line with the expected conduct between the branches of government. 

"Each elected representative has a duty to serve their constituents by voicing their needs in the halls of Congress and in rooms where decisions are being made on their behalf. During her time as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem has demonstrated serious deficits in her knowledge of core government processes and the skills required to do her job. Senator Padilla was doing his job by raising concerns over the questionable decision-making of the Department. 

"Despite this administration's dehumanizing rhetoric, he stood firm and chose principle over silence. Thank you, Senator Padilla, for taking a stand in the face of authoritarianism."

The actions of the Trump Administration are continuously radical and un-American. Senator Padilla deserves an apology for this public attempt to silence his voice while standing by the fundamental principles outlined in our Constitution.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.