Dem Senator Padilla’s Political Stunt Gets Cooked by ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith [WATCH]

Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was removed from a Department of Homeland Security press conference on Thursday after he interrupted Secretary Kristi Noem during her remarks on ongoing unrest related to immigration enforcement in Los Angeles.

Security physically restrained Padilla, ultimately forcing him to the ground and placing him in handcuffs before escorting him from the room.

The incident occurred during a scheduled DHS briefing in Washington, D.C., where Secretary Noem was addressing recent violent demonstrations targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.

Trump’s Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

The demonstrations have resulted in multiple arrests and prompted federal responses in several U.S. cities, including Los Angeles.

Padilla entered the event uninvited, according to DHS officials, and immediately began shouting questions at Secretary Noem as she delivered prepared comments.

Security quickly intervened as Padilla ignored commands to stop. After a brief struggle, agents restrained the senator and removed him from the area.

BREAKING: California Democratic Senator @AlexPadilla4CA just crashed DHS Secretary Noem’s press conference in LA and was forcibly removed. pic.twitter.com/Q2sUWiImAM

— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) June 12, 2025

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

The incident drew national attention, including from ESPN host Stephen A. Smith, who addressed Padilla’s behavior on his show Thursday.

Smith, who has expressed interest in a possible future political career, criticized Padilla for failing to maintain decorum during the press event.

“Can Kristi Noem speak? Could you have waited till she finished to ask your questions, to shout your questions?” Smith said.

“You are a senator, right? You couldn’t wait? So that was just you out of control because you were just losing it, huh?”

Smith continued to question Padilla’s conduct, highlighting the senator’s inability to allow the DHS secretary to complete her remarks.

“You — a United States senator — couldn’t compose yourself and let the head of Homeland Security finish her thoughts before you asked a question? Couldn’t do that, huh? Couldn’t do it, huh?” he added.

While critical of Padilla’s conduct, Smith also questioned the need for the physical restraint used by federal security personnel.

“They had no business putting cuffs on Senator Padilla,” Smith said.

“Escorting him out of the room — even forcibly — was within bounds. The Secretary of Homeland Security was speaking. You let her finish. You don’t want to let her finish? Then, hey, they definitely should have removed you from the room. That is it. They didn’t need to put you on the ground. They didn’t need to handcuff you. All they needed to do was keep you out of the room.”

NEW: Stephen A. Smith GOES OFF on Dem Sen. Alex Padilla over behavior at Kristi Noem press conference

“You — a United States senator — couldn’t compose yourself and let the head of Homeland Security finish her thoughts before you asked a question?”

“Couldn’t do that, huh?”… pic.twitter.com/L5tf46pP3k

— Jason Cohen (@JasonJournoDC) June 13, 2025

DHS officials confirmed that the senator was removed for violating security protocols and creating a disruption during a federal briefing.

Secretary Noem continued with the press conference following the interruption and reiterated the administration’s stance on immigration enforcement.

She addressed the violence directed at federal agents and the response from ICE in multiple jurisdictions.

Smith’s remarks come amid speculation that the ESPN commentator may explore a run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028.

His comments on the incident could prove controversial among progressive voters, though they drew support from those advocating for civility in public discourse.

The press conference marked a continuation of the administration’s effort to address rising tensions surrounding federal immigration policy, as protests have intensified in recent weeks across major U.S. cities.

Connect with Vetted Off-Duty Cops to Instantly Fulfill Your Security Needs

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.