Capitol Briefs: Thursday turmoil

It was an intense day in California politics, starting with California’s senior U.S. Senator Alex Padilla being forcibly removed from a Department of Homeland Security press conference in the morning and then U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer agreeing to California’s request for a temporary restraining order to wrestle control of the state National Guard back from President Donald Trump in the late afternoon.

A video of Padilla’s ejection shows the senator being physically dragged from the room by several men and then forced to the ground and handcuffed after he attempted to ask Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem questions about the ongoing protests in Los Angeles, which have prompted Trump to take control control of the California National Guard from Gov. Gavin Newsom.  The incident drew immediate outrage from numerous Democratic lawmakers, including seven Democratic gubernatorial candidates, who issued the following joint statement:

“Today marks a dark moment for our democracy. We are witnessing the rise of authoritarianism that threatens the foundation on which this nation was founded.

The forceful removal and aggressive handcuffing of U.S. Senator Alex Padilla — while he was performing his congressional duty of oversight — is not just an attack on one individual but on the principles of justice and checks and balances. Let us be clear — if this can happen to a sitting U.S. Senator, if our governor can be threatened with arrest, if a respected labor leader can be detained without cause, then no one in this country is safe from this President and his administration’s abuse of power.

As Californians, leaders, and candidates for Governor, we stand in solidarity to condemn this alarming escalation. We will not be silent in the face of injustice and as immigrant communities are denied due process. We support Senator Padilla and reaffirm our commitment to defending our democracy — for every person in this country.”

In his ruling, Judge Breyer said Trump’s actions “were illegal — both exceeding the scope of his statutory authority and violating the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution,” Breyer wrote. “He must therefore return control of the California National Guard to the Governor of the State of California forthwith.”

That drew the following statement from California State Sen. Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a former federal prosecutor and retired U.S. Army Colonel:

“It’s been very clear from the jump that the National Guard was not necessary in Southern California.  This stunt was simply designed to create an unnecessary and dangerous confrontation – a reckless and disrespectful way to treat our men and women in uniform. I’m pleased that the court reached this same conclusion. I hope that our brave National Guard members can get back to their homes in time to celebrate Father’s Day with their loved ones.”

Breyer delayed his ruling in order for President Trump to appeal to a higher court, which he is expected to do. Editor’s note: As expected, a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked Breyer’s ruling and set a hearing to review the case on Tuesday June 17th.