1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I write to you with deep concern over the disturbing events that took place on June 12, 2025, in Los Angeles, where U.S. Senator Alex Padilla—a duly elected official—was forcibly removed, pinned to the ground, handcuffed, and ejected from a press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Senator Padilla had clearly identified himself before posing a question, yet he was met with force. This is not just an outrage against Senator Padilla—it is an affront to our constitutional system of checks and balances. The message sent is chilling: that even elected lawmakers are no longer safe from physical intimidation when attempting to exercise oversight. As Senator Adam Schiff asked, “Are there no limits to what this administration will do?” Video footage contradicts the Department of Homeland Security’s claims that Senator Padilla was aggressive or failed to identify himself. He remained composed and respectful. If this is how a sitting U.S. Senator is treated for doing his job, what hope do everyday Americans—especially immigrants and communities of color—have in the face of escalating federal aggression? This incident is part of a broader and deeply alarming pattern. The Trump administration has escalated federal incursions into Los Angeles by deploying 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to assist in ICE operations. These actions have triggered mass protests, which have been suppressed using militarized force. We’ve now seen faith leaders, families, and even pregnant U.S. citizens detained in these raids. What’s at stake is the survival of American democracy. The physical silencing of elected officials marks a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism. We need bold leadership in Congress to defend constitutional governance and human rights. I urge you to take the following steps without delay: 1. Demand a full investigation by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security into this incident, including who authorized the use of force against Senator Padilla. 2. Support or introduce a resolution censuring the Trump administration and Secretary Noem for this abuse of power. 3. Introduce legislation to protect congressional oversight—ensuring lawmakers can question and investigate federal actions without fear of intimidation or violence. 4. Launch hearings on the constitutionality of using federal troops and militarized tactics in U.S. cities without state or local consent. Every day this administration disregards oversight, civil liberties, and democratic norms, the foundations of our republic erode. We cannot normalize the use of force to silence questions from our elected representatives. Please use your position to push back forcefully. I look forward to seeing you defend our Constitution and protect those who serve in government—and the communities they represent.