1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

What occurred in Los Angeles during Kristi Noem’s DHS press conference was outrageous—and it happened under the authority of the Trump administration. Senator Padilla, a duly elected representative, introduced himself, declared his intent to ask a question pertaining to congressional oversight—his constitutional duty—and was then forcibly shoved to the ground, handcuffed, and dragged away by DHS agents. This is undemocratic behavior. If a sitting U.S. Senator can be treated like a criminal for asking questions, what message does that send to everyday Americans? What’s next—federal agents silencing civic petitioners or parents at school board meetings? We need more than passing comments and minimal outrage. We demand action and leadership.