Alex Padilla is the first Latino to represent California in the U.S. Senate. FBI agents handcuffed him after he interrupted a press conference on immigration enforcement in LA.

Sen. Alex Padilla's detention by law enforcement at a DHS press conference sparked divided reactions, with most Republicans condemning his behavior.

Democratic lawmaker had said he wanted to ask questions at the event hosted by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other federal officials.

D: Outrage and spin are proving the partisan fallout of Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) being hauled out of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s press conference Thursday in Los Angeles and handcuffed by federal agents.

The incident occurred amid heightened political tensions nationwide, including protests against federal immigration authorities over aggressive sweeps of migrants and immigrants, and deportations.

Texas leaders have taken a split stance on the forceful removal of California Senator Alex Padilla from a press conference held by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday, June 12.

California Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from a press conference after he interrupted a press conference in L.A. underway from Department of Homeland Security Secretary

Now the senior U.S. senator from California, Alex Padilla’s career in public service started amid intense fervor over immigration in the early 1990s. Now, it comes full circle.