Bulwark Takes: Sen. Padilla Shoots Back at Critics, Calls on Dems to Fight Release Date: June 13, 2025

Introduction and Context

In the latest episode of Bulwark Takes, hosted by Adrian Carrasquillo, the spotlight is on California Senator Alex Padilla. The discussion centers around a highly publicized incident where Senator Padilla was forcibly removed and handcuffed by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents while attempting to question DHS Secretary, Kirstjen Nielsen Noem. This event has ignited national debate and raised serious concerns about the current administration's approach to governance and civil discourse.

The Incident Explained

Senator Padilla recounted the events that transpired, emphasizing the inappropriate and aggressive response from DHS agents during his attempt to seek answers directly from Secretary Noem.

Sen. Alex Padilla [03:19]: "I'm shouting, I'm Senator Alex Padilla, and I have a question. [...] And we get to this point [...] I took that as a moment to, like, okay, I gotta. I gotta fact check here. I gotta call them on their rhetoric, and I'm gonna pose questions to try to shed light on what's happening."

Padilla explained that he was in a federal building in Los Angeles for a scheduled briefing with Northern Command representatives to discuss potential National Guard troop deployments in response to escalating crises, which he attributes to the manufactured threats perpetuated by former President Donald Trump. Upon noticing a press conference by Secretary Noem nearby, he sought permission to join and ask pertinent questions. His attempt to engage was met with hostility, leading to his forceful removal.

Sen. Alex Padilla [05:55]: "They had me on the ground and then came out the handcuffs."

Senator Padilla’s Response to Criticism

Following the incident, Senator Padilla faced criticism from various media personalities and political figures who argued that he should have waited for his designated time to speak rather than interrupting the press conference.

Host Adrian Carrasquillo [06:04]: "What do you say to people to say things like that?"

In response, Padilla defended his actions by highlighting the repeated evasiveness of the DHS in addressing his inquiries through formal channels. He underscored the necessity of direct engagement to fulfill his oversight responsibilities effectively.

Sen. Alex Padilla [06:17]: "I've been asking these questions since January, right. [...] I thought maybe this is an opportunity to ask a question directly. I'm doing my job, and this is how they react."

Padilla emphasized that his intention was not only personal accountability but also to shed light on the broader implications of such aggressive tactics on public trust and democratic processes.

The Involvement of Corey Lewandowski

One of the most surprising developments during the incident was the appearance of Corey Lewandowski, a former Trump campaign manager and current DHS official, who intervened on behalf of Senator Padilla.

Sen. Alex Padilla [07:36]: "Running down the hall is, of all people, Corey Lewandowski. [...] He was trying to reign in agents, telling him to stop, to release me, to remove the handcuffs, offering me a cup of coffee. Surreal."

Lewandowski's unexpected defense of Padilla added a layer of complexity to the situation, highlighting internal conflicts within the DHS and raising questions about the administration's unity and adherence to protocol.

Impact on the Latino Community and Immigration Issues in California

The episode delved into the broader ramifications of the incident on the Latino community in California, a state characterized by its diverse population and significant immigrant workforce.

Sen. Alex Padilla [09:13]: "The most populous state in the nation, the most diverse state in the nation, home to more immigrants in any state in the nation, is also the biggest economy of any state in the nation. It's not despite our immigrant community. It's because of our immigrant community and its contributions."

Padilla highlighted the critical role immigrants play in California's economy and societal fabric, stressing that aggressive immigration enforcement not only undermines the state's economic prowess but also fractures the community's cohesiveness. He called for peaceful protests and the defense of First Amendment rights to combat what he perceives as unjust and harmful policies.

Democratic Party’s Position and Future Actions

Addressing the internal dynamics within the Democratic Party, Padilla acknowledged the varying opinions among his colleagues but stressed the importance of unity and continued resistance against what he describes as Trumpian tactics.

Sen. Alex Padilla [12:19]: "We have to continue to fight. We have to continue to organize. [...] We need to continue to speak up, to stand up and not treat this as normal, because this is not normal."

He condemned the administration's attempts to silence dissent and emphasized the necessity for Democrats to remain vigilant and proactive in advocating for their constituents and upholding democratic values.

Conclusions and Final Thoughts

Senator Alex Padilla's encounter with DHS agents serves as a stark reminder of the increasing tensions within governmental institutions and the importance of maintaining open and respectful channels of communication. The incident not only underscores the challenges faced by public officials in holding administrations accountable but also highlights the broader implications for civil liberties and community trust.

Adrian Carrasquillo concluded the episode by reaffirming The Bulwark's commitment to monitoring and reporting on the escalating ICE operations and their impact on communities nationwide.

Host Adrian Carrasquillo [12:41]: "We will continue following these issues with this escalation of the ICE operations around the country."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Sen. Alex Padilla [03:19]: "I gotta fact check here. I gotta call them on their rhetoric, and I'm gonna pose questions to try to shed light on what's happening."

• Sen. Alex Padilla [06:17]: "I've been asking these questions since January, right. [...] I'm doing my job, and this is how they react."

• Sen. Alex Padilla [07:36]: "Running down the hall is, of all people, Corey Lewandowski. [...] He was trying to reign in agents, telling him to stop, to release me, to remove the handcuffs, offering me a cup of coffee. Surreal."

• Sen. Alex Padilla [09:13]: "The most populous state in the nation, the most diverse state in the nation, home to more immigrants in any state in the nation, is also the biggest economy of any state in the nation. It's not despite our immigrant community. It's because of our immigrant community and its contributions."

• Sen. Alex Padilla [12:19]: "We have to continue to fight. We have to continue to organize. [...] We need to continue to speak up, to stand up and not treat this as normal, because this is not normal."

This episode of Bulwark Takes provides a comprehensive look into the challenges Senator Padilla faces in advocating for his constituents amid rising tensions and aggressive governmental actions. It underscores the vital role of persistent and principled political engagement in safeguarding democratic values and community interests.