In a conference organized by American Community Media, Senator Alex Padilla addressed issues such as ICE raids, cuts to the public healthcare system, and repression against journalists and migrants. He also commented on the recently introduced Visible Act.
A few weeks ago, California Senator Alex Padilla made headlines after being forcibly removed from a press conference on immigration, organized by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.
Padilla has a long track record in public office: he served as president of the Los Angeles City Council, Secretary of State in California, and currently represents his state in the United States Senate. His personal story is also significant: he is the son of Mexican immigrants and the first Latino to hold California’s Senate seat. The legislation he promotes aims to protect migrant communities and the most vulnerable sectors. In fact, he recently introduced the Visible Act, a bill requiring immigration agents (ICE) to wear visible identification and banning the use of non-medical face coverings during enforcement operations.
On July 14, Padilla was invited by American Community Media to a special conference where he spoke about the Trump administration’s intimidation tactics against migrants, the recent wave of mass deportations, and deep budget cuts to critical social programs. He also answered questions from local and national journalists.
A Government That Punishes the Vulnerable
Padilla opened the conference by stating that Trump’s second term has not only intensified attacks on the press but also deepened cuts to programs like Medicaid and escalated mass deportations. “It’s not just about intimidation against the press we’re going through a highly hostile political climate,” he said. “Severe budget cuts and deportations remain an ongoing problem,” he added.
He strongly criticized the latest Republican-backed cuts to Medicaid: “They chose to fund another round of tax breaks for the wealthy at the expense of working families. They cut a trillion dollars from Medicaid, leaving 17 million people without healthcare coverage and rolling back major gains in the transition to clean energy.”
Padilla also spoke about the incident that placed him at the center of media attention: being forcibly removed from a Department of Homeland Security press conference in Los Angeles, during ongoing protests. “I was not only physically forced out of the room, but thrown to the ground, handcuffed, and given no explanation,” he recalled.
He stated that the administration lied about the event, but public footage clearly contradicted their version: “I’m not surprised the Trump administration lied about what happened. Fortunately, there was a video and everyone saw it for themselves.”
For the senator, this incident is a clear example of how dissenters are treated by the current administration: “If this is how they treat the U.S. Senator simply for asking questions, seeking the truth, and demanding information about what’s really happening, what might they do to everyone else?”
Budget, Raids, and Citizenship at Risk
When asked whether Trump’s immigration policies could be stopped if the composition of Congress changed, Padilla was direct:“It’s true that this fiscal year’s budget has already passed. But if we win a Democratic majority in the House, the Senate, or both, we can dramatically change next year’s budget.”
He also denounced the current lack of transparency in congressional oversight: “We’ve had to hold what we call ‘shadow hearings’ meetings between Democratic senators and experts that aren’t official. If we regain control, congressional oversight will take on an entirely new dimension.”
Padilla also addressed indiscriminate ICE raids in agricultural areas like Camarillo and Carpintería, where many people remain missing: “The first thing to do to locate them is to maintain direct communication with our offices. The more specific information we have, the sooner we can find them.”
He emphasized the importance of media and public pressure:“A disabled veteran who was detained was recently released thanks to public pressure. When they know we’re watching, they release people faster and improve conditions.”
In recent weeks, the U.S. Supreme Court authorized Trump to revoke birthright citizenship in 28 states. Although this move has been celebrated by conservative groups, Padilla warned that its implementation would not be easy: “I don’t underestimate Trump; he’s capable of trying anything. But revoking birthright citizenship would be extreme. Of course it would be subject to litigation, because the Constitution is clear on this. Even so, we must keep resisting to prevent disasters before they happen.”
A Final Message to Migrant Communities
At the close of the conference, the senator delivered a direct message to migrant communities across the country: “We must not lose hope. This country and its democracy are worth fighting for.”