NHMC Statement on Senator Alex Padilla’s Forced Removal

June 12, 2025

(Photo Credit: Office of Senator Alex Padilla)

Statement on Behalf of Brenda Victoria Castillo, President and CEO, National Hispanic Media Coalition, on U.S.  Senator Alex Padilla Forced Removal During DHS Press Conference

After a horrific week of illegal kidnappings of our loved ones, friends, and neighbors by ICE in Los Angeles, Secret Service and Homeland Security Secretary Noem now have the inexcusable audacity to forcefully remove, throw to the ground, handcuff, and detain U.S. Senator Alex Padilla who represents our home state of California. 

It did not matter to them that he asked a civil question in a calm manner to exercise his freedom of speech; it did not matter to them that he is a sitting United States Senator with oversight authority of DHS granted by the checks and balances of our Constitution. It only mattered that he was a Latino man challenging the inhumane actions of this administration. 

This is another link in their chain to dismantle our democracy and strip our community of our dignity and humanity. NHMC commends Senator Padilla for his courage and stands with him to share a clear message: we cannot and will not be silenced in the face of injustice.

Yours in the Movement, 

Brenda Victoria Castillo

President & CEO

National Hispanic Media Coalition

National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) is a 40+ year old 501(c)(3) non-profit, nonpartisan, civil and human rights organization that was founded to eliminate hate, discrimination, and racism toward Latino and marginalized communities.

We advance Latino visibility and influence from the halls of Washington, D.C., to the studios of Hollywood. Through our media advocacy and workforce development initiatives, NHMC creates spaces where diverse creators can connect, collaborate, and thrive. Our Series Scriptwriters Program, Latinx Stream Showcase, Creators Networking Program, Careers in Entertainment Youth Program, and Media Advocacy Fellowships serve as both incubators and pipelines, preparing the next generation of storytellers, advocates, and industry leaders. Through mentorship, education, networking opportunities, and direct access to entertainment executives, these programs help transform emerging talent into lasting industry voices while expanding authentic representation across media.

We lead the work to eliminate online hate and disinformation across media platforms. We advocate in the space of Artificial Intelligence when it intersects with civil & human rights, including making sure Latino-Interest and children’s protections are included in AI initiatives and implementations. We advocate for the Affordable Connectivity Program, Lifeline Program, Net Neutrality protections, and closing the digital divide for Latino and other marginalized communities. NHMC works in partnership with other social justice organizations to safeguard democracy in the United States of America.

NHMC is a not-for-profit, and provides equal opportunities to all individuals without regard to race, religion, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

© 2026 National Hispanic Media Coalition // communications@nhmc.org // o. (626) 792-6462
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