WASHINGTON D.C. – Damon T. Hewitt, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, released the following statement after Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) was forcibly removed and arrested during today’s Department of Homeland Security briefing after attempting to ask Secretary Kristi Noem an immigration-related question.
“The Lawyers’ Committee strongly condemns the violent removal and arrest of Senator Padilla from today’s DHS press conference solely because of his attempt to ask Secretary Noem a question regarding immigration. This action was wholly unwarranted and shameful. Yet, as shocking as it was, it was predictably in line with this broader administration’s escalating contempt for democratic norms and its attempt to silence the voices of the people.
Sen. Padilla was exercising his right as a legislator and fulfilling his obligation to address his constituents’ legitimate concerns about this administration’s immigration policies that are recklessly and traumatically separating families. Rather than answering for these policies the Trump Administration is suppressing the voices of even those who have been elected to serve. This is similar in foul spirit to the aggressive and militarized response we’ve seen against peaceful protestors who are exercising their protected First Amendment rights across Los Angeles.
President Trump and his administration know no bounds in their effort to intimidate anyone who dares to oppose their dangerous brand of political ideology. Their actions are a complete affront to all Americans and a threat to our democracy. The Lawyers’ Committee remains unwavering in its stance that the Trump Administration has absolutely no right to interfere with legislators doing the work they were elected to do. We stand in complete solidarity with Sen. Padilla.”
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