The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region strongly condemns the unjust treatment of United States Senator Alex Padilla by federal agents during a Department of Homeland Security press conference yesterday in Los Angeles, where he was forcibly removed and placed in handcuffs while attempting to question federal immigration enforcement actions.

Senator Padilla, a principled public servant and longtime champion for immigrant and civil rights, was exercising his constitutional duty and right to hold the executive branch accountable when federal agents responded with unnecessary force. Though he was not arrested or formally detained, the act of physically restraining a sitting U.S. Senator is an alarming breach of democratic norms and an unacceptable abuse of power.

This incident reflects a disturbing escalation in the suppression of legitimate political inquiry. As a community shaped by a legacy of persecution and authoritarian overreach, Armenian-Americans recognize the grave implications of such actions for our democracy and for the vulnerable communities that could be targeted next. No matter one’s political affiliation, the use of force to silence any elected official is a threat to the institutions that safeguard our rights and are the foundations of our democracy.

We commend Senator Padilla for his integrity, his courage, and his unwavering commitment to justice. His treatment at the hands of federal agents is intolerable and demands public accountability.