top of page
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok

Unprecedented Use of Force Against Senator Padilla Demands Accountability

Updated: Jul 3

We’re Not the Ones Losing Our Minds—They Are


Just when you think things couldn’t get more alarming—they do.


Yesterday, in a move that stunned even seasoned observers, Governor Kristi Noem’s security team tackled and handcuffed U.S. Senator Alex Padilla simply for asking a question. Let that sink in: a sitting U.S. Senator was physically restrained by state security personnel for engaging in his constitutional duty.


Meanwhile, military forces remain deployed in American cities, and congressional Republicans continue to push legislation projected to cost tens of thousands of lives annually—all while prioritizing tax cuts for the wealthiest individuals and corporations.


This isn’t just political theater. It’s a dangerous slide into authoritarianism.

And yet, through it all, we’re still here—focused, principled, and determined.

Because it’s not us who have lost the thread. It’s them.


We must remember: we are standing on solid moral ground. History has its eyes on this moment. And while some will eventually claim they always supported democracy and justice, we’ll know the truth: we were the ones who showed up, spoke out, and did the work.


Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it’s unsettling. I received a message this morning from a Latina neighbor who asked, “If you have a work permit, do they still detain you?”


That kind of fear shouldn’t exist in a free country.


But we will not let fear win. This is one of those moments in history when people will look back and ask what they would have done. We’re doing it right now. And we should be proud to be on the right side of that question.


Also, some hopeful news: Donald Trump’s poll numbers are plummeting. He’s down six points on immigration alone in the last two weeks. CNN’s chief data analyst recently called his numbers “awful.” Even as he attempts to project strength through chaos and militarization, the public is seeing through it.


This is what weak leadership looks like—and weak leadership can be overcome.

So let’s stay focused, stay engaged, and keep using our voices.


Take Action


📞 Call Your Senators Find yours here:


Script:

Hello, I’m a constituent from [zip]. My name is ______. I have two urgent concerns:

  1. I understand the House passed a rescission package yesterday that cuts funding for PBS and international aid. I strongly urge the Senator to vote no. These funds were already approved, and if we can afford $140 million for military exercises in U.S. cities, we can afford to continue funding public broadcasting.

  2. I’m extremely disturbed by the incident involving Senator Padilla. This is not how a democracy functions. I ask the Senator to publicly condemn what happened and support a full investigation into the role of Governor Noem and her security detail.

Thank you for your time.


📞 Call Your House Representative Same message, with a focus on accountability and public condemnation of the incident.


📞 Bonus Action: Contact Senate Majority Leader John Thune (202) 224-2321 | (605) 225-8823 | (605) 334-9596 | (605) 348-7551


Script:

My name is ______, and I’m calling regarding the treatment of Senator Padilla. This was an unacceptable use of force against a sitting U.S. Senator. I urge Senator Thune, as Majority Leader, to demand accountability from Governor Noem’s office and speak out publicly against the dangerous rhetoric and actions we’re seeing across the country. This is a moment to defend our democratic institutions, not undermine them.


We are not helpless. We are not powerless. We are informed, determined, and on the right side of history.


Let’s keep showing up—and keep moving forward together.

 
 
 

Comments


bottom of page