California Senator Alex Padilla was detained by federal agents at a briefing room in a federal building in Westwood, sparking outrage among Democrats. The incident occurred when Padilla interrupted a press conference held by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to ask a question.
Padilla, who is the son of a Mexican-born housekeeper and a short-order cook, trained as an engineer at MIT before entering politics. He has been described as steady and soft-spoken, rather than bombastic or showy.
The flabbergasting interaction caught on camera, with stunning images captured by Times photographer Luke Johnson. The incident sparked widespread condemnation from Democratic leaders, including Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Padilla’s former roommate, Rep. Tony Cárdenas, described him as “not the kind of person who raised his voice.” Cárdenas said Padilla is known for his calm demeanor, adding that the detention was an overreach by federal agents.
The incident has sparked concerns about the treatment of journalists and protesters in Los Angeles, where civil unrest and military intervention have been ongoing. The Justice Department has also faced criticism for its handling of national monuments, with California areas potentially being on a list for potential revision or removal.
Source: https://www.latimes.com/california/newsletter/2025-06-13/alex-padillas-former-roommate-on-who-the-senator-is