In Senate Speech, Warren Condemns Assault of Senator Alex Padilla: “Trump is Making This Nation Look More and More Like a Fascist State”
Warren calls on Republicans to join Democrats in demanding investigation into the incident
“If this is how federal agents treat a United States senator who peacefully asks questions of this administration, then we all have to ask: how far will they go? How violent will they get?”
Video of Floor Speech (YouTube)
Washington, D.C. — Following the violent assault on U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) spoke out on the Senate Floor.
“This is a horrifying moment in our nation’s history,” said Senator Warren.
During Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s press conference, Senator Padilla identified himself, saying, “I am Senator Padilla. I have questions for the Secretary.” In response, he was shoved to the ground and eventually pinned down and handcuffed.
Senator Warren called out ICE’s recent excessive use of force and aggressive detention tactics, saying “what happened to Senator Padilla, today, is happening every day all across this country, every day. DHS agents are throwing people to the ground and violently handcuffing them while they are not resisting, detaining them for exercising their First Amendment rights of free speech.”
“Every day Donald Trump is making this nation look more and more like a fascist state,” Senator Warren continued.
Senator Warren called for Republicans to join Democrats in demanding a bipartisan investigation into the incident.
Transcript: Floor Speech on Assault on Senator Alex Padilla
U.S. Senate Floor
June 12, 2025
As Delivered
Senator Elizabeth Warren: This a horrifying moment in our nation's history. Today, United States Senator Alex Padilla was violently removed from a public briefing for asking questions on behalf of the people he represents. People in California who deserve answers about the brutal crackdown on protesters.
I've watched the video, as many of you have as well. Let me just describe what it shows.
Officers pushed Senator Padilla backwards out of the room as he said the words, “I am Senator Padilla. I have questions for the Secretary.” He was then shoved to the ground. When the Senator complied with the officers and went on his knees, he was forcibly pinned onto his stomach. He was ordered to put his hands behind his back. He can be heard on the video saying he is trying to comply with their orders. Officers then put handcuffs on the senator while he was lying on the ground. His staff was then told to stop recording the handcuffing.
He was put in handcuffs for asking a simple question.
He was put in handcuffs for doing his job as a United States Senator.
He was put in handcuffs for standing up for the Constitution of the United States.
He was put in handcuffs for representing the people of California.
Now, if you're not yet convinced that President Trump and his administration are trying to suppress free speech, then just watch the video. Watch the video.
If you are not yet convinced that President Trump and his administration are trying to undermine the foundations of our democracy. Watch the video.
If you are not yet convinced that President Trump and his administration are hell bent on punishing people with differing opinions than those of the President, then watch the video.
And here is the really chilling part.
Make no mistake, what happened to Senator Padilla, today, is happening every day all across this country, every day.
DHS agents are throwing people to the ground and violently handcuffing them while they are not resisting, detaining them for exercising their First Amendment rights of free speech.
Every day Donald Trump is making this nation look more and more like a fascist state.
If this is how federal agents treat a United States senator who peacefully asks questions of this administration, then we all have to ask: How far will they go? How violent will they get?
I know my Republican colleagues can see what happened today was wrong. But will any Republican senator speak up for our democracy?
They know Senator Padilla's character.
They know that Senator Padilla is a kind man. A man who is concerned for his children. A man who is concerned for his home. A man who has dedicated his life to public service. A man who is a patriot.
Where are our Republican colleagues?
Where is the Republican Senate?
Where are you? Stand up and speak out.
This is a continuation of what we've been seeing, intimidate every other check on presidential power in this country.
Fire the civil service.
Get rid of those people.
Threaten to imprison judges.
Criminally charge House members who try to visit an ICE facility.
Arrest senators who ask questions.
This is not a drill. This is an assault on our democracy.
I am calling on my Republican colleagues to join us in demanding a bipartisan investigation into this incident.
What happened at this press conference was disgraceful. It was un-American. And every member of the United States Senate should condemn it and condemn it now.
Mr. President, I yield the floor.
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