State Senator Steve Padilla Condemns Detainment of US Senator Alex Padilla

SACRAMENTO – State Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) released the following statement today following the detention of US Senator Alex Padilla (D-California):

“US Senator Alex Padilla was handcuffed and detained in Los Angeles today for speaking up for the very communities he was elected to serve. The First Amendment protects our right to ask tough questions of our government officials — that is the very principle America was built on. The force used by federal agents to detain Senator Padilla was inappropriate, especially after he identified himself.  My time in law enforcement taught me upholding our laws requires discipline, judgement, and care. These officers demonstrated none of that restraint.

Their over-the-top reaction along with President Trump’s fractious rhetoric are the very hallmarks of fascism and sends the wrong signal that opposing opinions must be met with physical violence and must be condemned. That is not the American way. Our voices will lift up democracy as we meet their intimidation with courage.”

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Steve Padilla represents the 18th Senate District, which includes the communities of Chula Vista, the Coachella Valley, Imperial Beach, the Imperial Valley, National City, and San Diego. Prior to his election to the Senate in 2022, Senator Padilla was the first person of color ever elected to city office in Chula Vista, the first Latino Mayor, and the first openly LGBT person to serve or be elected to city office. Website of Senator Steve Padilla: https://sd18.senate.ca.gov/