WASHINGTON - Representative Jim Costa (CA-21) issued the following statement after learning that Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) was forcibly removed today in Los Angeles, California from a press conference held by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.
"The forcible removal of Senator Alex Padilla from the press conference with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem is not only outrageous and unacceptable-it is a violation of constitutional rights. As a duly elected official for the people of California, Senator Padilla has every right to express his freedom of speech. The conduct of those who detained him was both disgraceful and disrespectful, and it must be addressed. We must demand accountability and transparency from the Trump Administration." said Congressman Jim Costa.