The California Democratic Party stands in unwavering solidarity with United States Senator Alex Padilla who was unjustly assaulted by federal agents for exercising his constitutional oversight duties.
It is appallingly un-American that a United States Senator was pushed to the ground and placed in handcuffs for doing what any responsible elected official does to stand up, show up and speak out for those they represent.
Senator Padilla has spent his life fighting for our democracy, for working people, and for the fundamental rights guaranteed to every American. To arrest him for showing up peacefully is a dangerous escalation — one that echoes the tactics of authoritarian regimes, not the values of a Nation of freedom and liberty.
This was yet another gross abuse of power by the Trump Administration and its accomplices in the Department of Homeland Security. And California Democrats will not be silent.
We firmly believe the power of the people is stronger than the people in power. We stand united against those who use fear, force, or federal agents to silence those who exercise the constitutional right to question the actions of those in seats of power.
