AFT President Weingarten Condemns Arrest of Sen. Padilla at Conference

Senator Alex Padilla Detained During Public Event

WASHINGTON—In a controversial incident, federal authorities apprehended U.S. Senator Alex Padilla at a public press conference in his home state, drawing intense criticism from various quarters.

Following the event, AFT President Randi Weingarten expressed her disapproval in a statement, highlighting concerns about rising authoritarianism. Weingarten stated, “This is a disgrace: The authoritarianism we have warned about is on full, disgusting and disturbing display. First a mayor, then a congressman, now a U.S. senator. These assaults are offensive to democracy, to the rule of law and to the idea of America itself, and they must end now.”

Weingarten emphasized the potential broader implications of such actions, noting, “As the senator said, if this is what federal agents are capable of doing to elected officials in plain sight, imagine what they’re doing in our communities, our farms and our schools every day.” She further announced a stance against such events, advocating for a nation founded on free speech and democratic values.

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT), which Weingarten leads, represents a diverse membership of 1.8 million individuals, including pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, paraprofessionals, school-related personnel, higher education faculty, professional staff, government employees at various levels, nurses, healthcare workers, and early childhood educators.