1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I was shocked by the footage of Senator Alex Padilla, having clearly identified himself, being physically removed from a press event by unidentified security officers, thrown to the floor, and handcuffed by an FBI agent after the Senator attempted to ask Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem a question. If federal officers can so blatantly abuse their power against a sitting member of Congress, in broad daylight, with impunity, they can do that to anyone, anywhere. They can do that to you. Will you defend your colleague? Will you defend Congress and the role it plays in our democracy? Or have you utterly repudiated that power in the face of these intimidation tactics? This Republican administration is turning our republic into an authoritarian regime. That cannot be allowed. My wife and I implore you to use your Constitutional authority to rein in this brutal overreach by the Executive. Demand Kristi Noem resign. If she will not, you must use your power as a member of Congress to remove her from office.