U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks to the press, as he leaves for a meeting at the White House on the budget, on the day of the House Rules Committee's hearing on U.S. President Donald Trump's plan for extensive tax cuts, on Capitol Hill, in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard
Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus came to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to speak about the incident with Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA), where he was manhandled and handcuffed by the FBI for trying to ask Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem a question during her news conference.
Washington Post congressional reporter Marianna Sotomayor posted on X that Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA) relayed that Capitol Police were "blocking Speaker Johnson’s office door, preventing Congressional Hispanic Caucus lawmakers from trying to meet with him."
Padilla is a member of the caucus.
In a press statement, the caucus said, "The Trump-Vance Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would be well advised to reconsider its entire approach to interior enforcement. This administration is leading us down a dark path and putting an indelible stain on every institution, badge and public official that no presidential pardon will or should ever wash away."
"Rep. Menendez, Watson Coleman and McIver were performing their oversight duties when they were accompanied by rogue agents. DHS leaders not only failed to rectify the problem, they amplified it, making it clear for everyone that the rot in this department comes straight from the top," the statement continued.
They added, "The CHC and its allies will not be intimidated. We are keeping tabs and we will have accountability."