Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from a press conference in Los Angeles on Thursday while questioning Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during her remarks on ICE operations.

Padilla, a California Democrat, was escorted out after stating, “You insist on exaggerating,” and identified himself as a U.S. senator while being pushed out.

Video later showed him handcuffed and facedown outside the room. Noem continued speaking, criticizing California leadership.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between state and federal officials over immigration enforcement, NBC 4 Los Angeles has reported.

Padilla, the first Latino U.S. senator from California, has roots in Los Angeles and a background in immigrant advocacy.

Written by B.C. Begley