FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2025
CONTACT
Email: [email protected]
Adrian Escárate, 202-609-9976
Juan Gastelum, 213-375-3149
NILC President Kica Matos Condemns DHS Assault on United States Senator Alex Padilla
WASHINGTON — Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center, issued the following statement after U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla was assaulted and violently removed from a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) press conference in the Los Angeles Federal Building:
“Donald Trump and his cabinet are systematically attacking our democracy – in Los Angeles and across the country. Watching armed federal agents wrestle a United States senator conducting legitimate congressional oversight to the ground should infuriate every person of conscience in this country. These thugs in uniform deliberately ignored Senator Padilla when he identified himself. All they saw was a big brown man and decided to treat him like they have been treating immigrants of color.
“We must confront this attack with unity and solidarity. Everyone should speak out. It is our very democracy that is at stake.”
###
How States Are Fighting Back Against Trump’s Mass Deportation Machine
Published Jul 9, 2026 This report captures pro-immigrant state laws enacted in 2025 and bills signed in the first five months of 2026 to address immigration enforcement.
Green Card Holders: Know Your Rights & Risks During the Second Trump Administration
Updated Jul 8, 2026 This guide helps Green Card Holders understand the law, their rights, and how to lower risk and make a safety plan.
Community Alert: Immigration Arrests at Airports
Updated Jul 8, 2026 This resource provides travel safety tips and other resources for immigrants traveling through U.S. airports.
Immigration Relief Legislation – Table
Published Jul 8, 2026 The tables below include new immigration relief options in proposed legislation primarily introduced in the 119th Congress. These tables only address and compare the legalization provisions in each bill; please note that most of these bills...