DHS Claps Back at Sen. Padilla’s ‘Don’t You Know Who I Am’ Defense [WATCH]

Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) appeared on CNN’s State of the Union on Sunday to address his conduct during a recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) press briefing led by Secretary Kristi Noem.

The briefing, held last week amid ongoing anti-ICE protests and heightened security concerns, was disrupted when Padilla entered the room unannounced and began speaking loudly, interrupting the Secretary before the formal Q&A had begun.

According to officials, Padilla approached the front of the room during Noem’s opening remarks, drawing confusion from DHS security personnel.

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He did not immediately identify himself and reportedly continued to speak over the Secretary and resist security instructions after being asked to move back.

Officers intervened and escorted him from the area.

Padilla told CNN host Dana Bash that he had originally arrived at the building for a separate briefing with Northern Command, a military unit.

“I was brought into the room by a National Guard member and an FBI agent,” Padilla said.

“I wanted to ask questions about the deployment and the administration’s approach.”

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He denied that the incident was a publicity stunt, saying, “This was not about going viral. This was about accountability.”

California Senator Padilla denies that he was looking for a viral moment this week when he pushed his way toward DHS Secretary Noem during her press conference, and says he was simply wanting to ask a question.

The only problem with his answer? Secretary Noem was not taking… pic.twitter.com/MSIEvJU0WQ

— DeVory Darkins (@devorydarkins) June 15, 2025

Despite that claim, the senator was widely criticized for disrupting a formal DHS press event and engaging in a physical encounter with security.

Officials noted that it was not yet time for questions when Padilla approached Noem, and he did not initially make clear who he was.

Secretary Noem later agreed to meet privately with Padilla for approximately 10 to 15 minutes to address his questions.

According to both parties, they exchanged contact information following the meeting. Despite this, Padilla continued to publicly question Noem’s handling of the situation during his CNN appearance.

At one point during the interview, Padilla asked, “How does the Secretary of Homeland Security not know how to de-escalate a situation? It’s because she can’t or because they don’t want to. And it sets the tone. Donald Trump and Secretary Noem have set the tone for the Department of Homeland Security and the entire administration in terms of escalation and extreme enforcement actions.”

Padilla also questioned how Noem failed to recognize him, suggesting it was indicative of broader issues.

“She didn’t even know who I was,” he said.

“That says something.”

Following the interview, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a response defending the actions of law enforcement and criticizing Padilla’s conduct.

“Serious people don’t barge into a press conference, interrupt while the Secretary of Homeland Security is giving opening remarks and then start aggressively lunging toward her, defying officers’ commands to move back and then pushing and shoving law enforcement,” McLaughlin said in a written statement.

“A kindergartener knows better. It is embarrassing conduct for any person, much less a sitting U.S. Senator.”

Serious people don’t barge into a press conference, interrupt while the Secretary of Homeland Security is giving opening remarks and then start aggressively lunging toward her, defying officers commands to move back and then pushing and shoving law enforcement.

A Kindergartener… https://t.co/kWAlvGXHHq

— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) June 15, 2025

The incident occurred during a high-security week for DHS, as President Donald Trump authorized the deployment of additional federal forces to major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, where ICE operations and public protests have intensified.

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