1. United States
2. Neb.
3. Letter

The arrest of Senator Alex Padilla during Kristi Noem’s press conference was outrageous and dangerously unAmerican. The video clearly shows Senator Padilla attempting to ask a question, well within his rights as an elected representative, when he was forced to the ground and handcuffed. Video clearly refutes Noem’s excuse that he didn’t identity himself. Padilla, a well-known senator, was there representing his constituents. Are we really expected to believe that DHS officials didn’t recognize him? This aggressive action against a sitting U.S. senator is unacceptable. In fact, this type of act is unacceptable for anyone who has the constitutional right to speak freely and ask questions. The America I know doesn’t handcuff people who ask questions of government officials. Today’s disgraceful incident is the latest in a series of heavy-handed actions against elected officials. This pattern of intimidation from the executive branch represents a severe threat to the checks and balances that lies the heart of our constitutional republic. Furthermore, Noem's statement about "liberating" Los Angeles from its duly elected leaders raises serious questions about military overreach and political oppression. It is part of an escalating pattern of authoritarian abuse, which now includes the unprecedented deployment of U.S. Marines and the federalization of National Guard units in what can only be described as a show of force against American citizens and their elected representatives. Your silence and inaction is increasingly apparent. Will you finally speak up when it’s you? Or do you think you’re immune because of your political affiliation? Right now, you’re in the same party as the current regime. But that could change. Every silent moment enables further erosion of our democratic institution.