San Francisco Latinx Democratic Club

The San Francisco Latinx Democratic Club Denounces Unconscionable Assault on Senator Alex Padilla

The violent assault and unlawful detainment of United States Senator Alex Padilla by federal agents today is an intolerable and unconscionable abuse of power. This type of action should open the eyes of every resident, regardless of their political affiliation. This was not an act of law enforcement; it was an act of political intimidation straight from the playbook of an authoritarian regime. Today's events are revolting, disgraceful, and a stain on our nation.

A sitting U.S. Senator, the first Latino representing the people of California, was attempting to fulfill his constitutional duty of oversight by questioning a cabinet secretary in a public forum about the illegal arrests of our neighbors and community members who are living in a constant state of fear as result. In response, Senator Padilla was met not with answers, but with violence. Video evidence clearly shows security physically assaulting the Senator by throwing and shoving him, putting him on his knees, and handcuffing him.

This is a direct assault not only on an elected public servant but on the very fabric of our democracy. This kind of response is an attack on the separation of powers, on the right of elected officials to demand accountability, and all residents' fundamental rights to free speech and due process.

We demand the immediate resignation of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, as well as unequivocal condemnation of these actions from the White House, the Department of Homeland Security, and the FBI. We call for the immediate termination and full prosecution of the agents who engaged in the assault of the U.S. Senator - as well as a full, independent congressional investigation into today's actions.

While our anger is justified and righteous, so must be our response to this fascism. Continue to peacefully protest, mobilize, and organize - for the rights of our immigrant neighbors, residents, and community members. Only through our collective power will we achieve justice and accountability for the inhumane and corrupt actions of this federal administration.

The San Francisco Latinx Democratic Club

Statement regarding ongoing ICE raids and use of force in Los Angeles

San Francisco, CA - The San Francisco Latino Democratic Club (SFLDC) denounces the actions of the federal government’s use of mass deportation and detainment raids in Los Angeles and across the country. We are appalled and outraged at the unnecessary use of force and violence against hardworking immigrants and peaceful protestors.

Under the orders of the current federal administration, ICE has begun detaining and arresting immigrants outside of local immigration courts in hopes of direct detention, without due process.These actions are completely racist and outright forms of suppression for our undocumented communities.

As people peacefully protest against these unconstitutional raids, at least 118 people have been arrested in Los Angeles. This includes California SEIU President David Huerta, who was arrested for documenting these illegal actions. During his arrest, Huerta was pushed to the ground by federal authorities and is now receiving medical care. This administration continues to escalate the violence by now sending 2,000 soldiers from the National Guard into Los Angeles, despite no unmet police need to do so.

The SLFDC demands the immediate release of David Huerta from federal authorities and to immediately cease all illegal detentions and arrests. We stand firm against these fascist actions and will continue to fight against this authoritarian administration, supporting the calls for continued mobilizations against all illegal maneuvers taken by this federal administration. Democracy is fragile, and we all must continue to fight for it, before it is gone.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: May 28, 2025

Contact: [email protected]

SF Latino Democrats Condemn Undercover ICE Arrests at Immigration Court

The San Francisco Latino Democrats (SFLDC) unequivocally condemn yesterday’s arrests carried out by plain‑clothes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers outside the San Francisco Immigration Court. At least two community members were detained after appearing for scheduled hearings—an unprecedented escalation that weaponizes the very process meant to ensure due process and fairness. 

Targeting people who obey the law by showing up for court violates the spirit of justice, chills the exercise of legal rights, and undermines San Francisco’s hard‑won status as a sanctuary city. These covert operations erode the already thin trust between immigrant communities and government institutions.

Due process must be protected, and courthouses must remain safe spaces where people can resolve their cases without fear of arrest or retaliation. The San Francisco Latino Democratic Club urges every immigrant with a scheduled hearing to keep that court date - missing even one appearance can trigger a removal order - and to seek assistance from legal counsel or trusted community organizations if they feel unsafe. 

Sanctuary laws matter: we call on the Mayor, the Board of Supervisors, Governor Newsom, and the federal government to demand an immediate halt to courthouse enforcement actions that violate California’s Values Act and San Francisco’s Sanctuary Ordinance. Specifically, we demand an immediate suspension of undercover ICE operations at all Bay Area immigration courts, full public accountability from the Department of Homeland Security - including a detailed report on the decision‑making behind these arrests - and to strengthen local safeguards, such as clear signage and marshal protocols, to ensure courthouse spaces remain free from civil immigration enforcement.

We Stand With Our Immigrant Neighbors. No one should be punished for seeking justice. We remain steadfast in defending every individual's right to a fair hearing, to due process, and to live without fear. Our community will not tolerate intimidation tactics, and we will continue to mobilize until these abuses end.

Una injusticia contra uno es una injusticia contra todos.

 San Francisco Latino Democratic Club