August 26, 2025

NEWS: Schiff, Padilla, Friedman Push for Answers on DHS Presence During Redistricting Press Event

Large, heavily armed federal presence prompts questions from California Democrats about the Trump Administration’s political motivations and use of enforcement resources

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.) joined Representative Laura Friedman (D-Calif.-30) and 12 other Democratic members of the California congressional delegation in demanding answers from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials on the concerning DHS law enforcement presence outside Governor Gavin Newsom’s August 14 press conference in Los Angeles.

Public reporting indicates that approximately 100 federal agents — many in tactical gear and masks — were deployed directly outside the Governor’s public event. Two individuals were reportedly arrested, raising serious concerns about the intent and proportionality of the operation.

“The American people must be able to trust that Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Border Patrol, and related federal agencies will never use their authority to intimidate civilians on the basis of political or policy differences,” wrote the lawmakers. “Clear answers in this matter are vital to maintaining that trust.”

The lawmakers requested specific information about who authorized the deployment, the operational justification for its scale, whether the Governor’s remarks influenced the decision, and the two arrests made.

In addition to Schiff, Padilla, and Friedman, the letter was also signed by Representatives Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28), Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.-31), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Luz Rivas (D-Calif.-29), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-32), and Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52).

As the immigration raids in California and across the country continue, the Senator has been fighting back against the Trump administration’s overreach and abuses of power. In June, Schiff and Padilla demanded Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Navy John Phelan provide details on the Trump administration’s reckless decision to deploy around 700 Marines to Los Angeles. Recently, Schiff also raised concerns over the Trump administration’s plan to establish a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Information Database, which would collect and house the personal data of SNAP recipients and applicants. Schiff has also made stops throughout California, including in Bakersfield, to meet with farmers from California Citrus Mutual and families of United Farm Worker members who were impacted by immigration raids.

The full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Secretary Noem, Mr. Lyons, Mr. Homan, and Mr. Bovino:

We write requesting information regarding the Homeland Security enforcement activity that occurred during Governor Gavin Newsom’s public announcement on August 14, 2025, outside the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. Public reporting indicates that as many as 100 Homeland Security personnel, many masked and in tactical gear, positioned themselves directly in front of the venue during the Governor’s announcement.

We have grave concerns about the scale, timing, and location of this deployment. Alongside our constituents and local leaders, including Governor Newsom, who filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the Department of Homeland Security regarding this instance of enforcement, we have many questions about the necessity of this action and the decision-making process behind it.

Given these circumstances, we request clarification on the following:

1. Who originally made the request to deploy federal immigration enforcement outside of the Japanese American National Museum on August 14?

2. Was the subject matter of Governor Newsom’s press conference a consideration in the decision to deploy federal agents to the Little Tokyo area of Los Angeles? What operational criteria were used to determine the size and composition of the force deployed?

3. Was the size of the force deployed standard to the reason for deployment?

4. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Trisha McLaughlin stated that two people were arrested during the Little Tokyo operation. Please provide details on these two arrests, including the location these arrests took place and the probable cause established for the arrests. Did DHS officials know these two individuals were going to be present when deciding to conduct immigration enforcement outside the Japanese American Museum on August 14? 

Congress must ensure that federal law enforcement resources are deployed based on legitimate operational needs. The American people must be able to trust that Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Border Patrol, and related federal agencies will never use their authority to intimidate civilians on the basis of political or policy differences. Clear answers in this matter are vital to maintaining that trust.

We request a written response to the questions above no later than September 4, 2025. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

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