Alex Padilla ridiculed for 'fake crying routine' after dramatic arrest at DHS Sec. Kristi Noem event

California Senator Alex Padilla held back tears as he described being forced to the floor and handcuffed after interrupting a press conference by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. 

Viral videos had showed Padilla at the press conference in Los Angeles last week, demanding to ask Noem questions amid ongoing ICE raids in the city.

After Padilla moved toward the front of the room, security got involved and confronted the Democrat until he was eventually forced out, put on the ground and handcuffed. 

Only after security officials placed their hands on Padilla did the lawmaker identify himself as a senator, despite the Democrat's claim to the contrary, videos show. 

'I was compelled, both as a senator and as an American, to speak up, but before I could even get out my question, I was physically and aggressively forced out of the room, even as I repeatedly announced I was a United States Senator,' Padilla said on the Senate floor Tuesday. 

'I was forced to the ground, first on my knees and then flat on my chest,' the Californian said, his voice wavering. 

'And as I was handcuffed and marched down a hallway repeatedly asking, Why am I being detained? Not once did they tell me why? I pray you never have a moment like this.'

Following his Senate speech the Democrat was criticized by Republicans online for a 'fake crying routine.'

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., walks to the Senate Chambers at the U.S. Capitol on June 17, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

Padilla being removed from the DHS press briefing by law enforcement 

Padilla returned to the U.S. Capitol with a bigger security detail and is set to make a speech on the Senate Floor, where he will discuss his removal from a news conference being held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem

'Democrat Senator Alex Padilla is doing a fake crying routine on the floor,' conservative news outlet The Blaze reacted to Padilla's emotional delivery. 

The right-leaning outlet Townhall similarly wrote: 'Alex Padilla fake cries while explaining how law enforcement protected DHS Secretary Noem from a no-name Senator interrupting her press conference.'

Conservative influencer Johnny MAGA reacted: ''Senator Padilla' is literally crying on the floor right now after playing the victim in the Los Angeles DHS press conference incident, where he pushed Secret Service and charged the Secretary. So pathetic.'

Padilla has been provided a security detail since he was temporarily apprehended by Secret Service. 

The Democrat's detail joined him going to and from the Senate floor as he delivered his speech on his run-in with Noem. 

The senator's wife and three sons were in attendance for the speech, reportedly watching from the Senate gallery. 

'If that is what the administration is willing to do to a United States senator for having the authority to simply ask a question, imagine what they'll do to any American who dares to speak up,' Padilla posed. 

'If what you saw happen can happen when the cameras are on you, imagine not only what can happen, but what is happening in so many places where there are no cameras. 

Padilla was swiftly removed from the room by Noem's security 

Immediately after the scuffle last week, Noem accepted a meeting with Padilla and the two spoke for 15 minutes. 

Padilla said in his speech that he was in the federal building where Noem was addressing the press because he was supposed to meet with four-star Gen. Gregory Guillot about the military's role in the Los Angeles anti-ICE riots.

While he was waiting for his meeting, Padilla claims staffers escorted him to Noem's briefing where he was later apprehended. 

His rough-and-tumble removal and apprehension by authorities immediately sparked indignation from most Democrats at the time, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, who called the ruckus 'a shameful and stunning abuse of power.'

'I think that it’s never good when a senator or member of Congress gets roughed up by law enforcement,' he added. 

Many Democratic senators stood on the floor as Padilla delivered his remarks.