Tensions escalated on Capitol Hill this week as members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) attempted to confront House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) over the controversial treatment of Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), who was reportedly manhandled and handcuffed by FBI agents while trying to question a top official during a public event.
Sen. Padilla, a prominent member of the CHC, was allegedly restrained while attempting to speak with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during her recent press conference. The incident has sparked outrage among lawmakers and ignited renewed concerns about aggressive tactics by federal law enforcement under the Department of Homeland Security.
According to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by Washington Post congressional reporter Marianna Sotomayor, Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA) revealed that Capitol Police physically blocked CHC members from accessing Speaker Johnson’s office. The lawmakers were seeking a direct meeting to express their concerns regarding the incident and to demand accountability.
In a strongly worded statement, the CHC condemned the actions of the Department of Homeland Security, calling it a sign of deeper systemic issues under the current administration.
“The Trump-Vance Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would be well advised to reconsider its entire approach to interior enforcement. This administration is leading us down a dark path and putting an indelible stain on every institution, badge, and public official that no presidential pardon will or should ever wash away,” the statement read.
The CHC further accused DHS of enabling misconduct, citing an episode where three Democratic lawmakers — Reps. Rob Menendez (D-NJ), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Delia Ramirez McIver (D-IL) — were allegedly subjected to rogue behavior by federal agents during their oversight duties.
“Rep. Menendez, Watson Coleman and McIver were performing their oversight duties when they were accompanied by rogue agents. DHS leaders not only failed to rectify the problem, they amplified it, making it clear for everyone that the rot in this department comes straight from the top,” the statement continued.
Despite being blocked from the Speaker’s office, CHC members vowed not to back down. “The CHC and its allies will not be intimidated. We are keeping tabs and we will have accountability,” the caucus declared. The Speaker’s office has not yet issued a formal response to the confrontation or the accusations leveled by the Hispanic Caucus.