Lawmakers Call for DHS Secretary Noem Resignation After Padilla Handcuffing

Following an incident at a Department of Homeland Security press conference in Los Angeles, where Sen. Alex Padilla was forcibly removed and handcuffed after attempting to question Secretary Kristi Noem, there have been widespread calls from Democratic lawmakers and others for Noem to resign. Sen. Elizabeth Warren condemned the Trump administration, accusing it of undermining free speech and demanding an independent investigation into the incident. Video evidence contradicts Noem's claim that Padilla did not identify himself or acted aggressively, showing he clearly identified himself and did not lunge toward her. California Rep. Eric Swalwell and other Democrats criticized Noem for the aggressive handling of the senator and cited broader concerns over the administration's immigration enforcement, including deportations and militarized responses to protests. Public figures like actor Jon Cryer also called for Noem's resignation, framing the situation as symptomatic of authoritarianism under the Trump administration. The Trump administration defended Noem, accusing critics of political opportunism and denying wrongdoing in the handling of Padilla's removal.