As the National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, I speak on behalf of over 35,000 federal agents and officers across 65 agencies when I say: no one is above the law—not law enforcement, not elected officials, not appointed leaders, and not judges. The rule of law is the cornerstone of our Republic, and applying it inconsistently only weakens the foundation of our democracy.
Recently, I had the opportunity to watch the full video involving Senator Alex Padilla. In that video, the Senator repeatedly disrupted an official press conference. If the roles were reversed—if someone disrupted his event in the same manner—they would almost certainly be removed.
We see this every day: protesters are removed from congressional hearings, city council meetings, and public events across the country. Disruption has consequences. That does not change because the person causing it holds a Senate seat.
Congressman Eric Swalwell called this event a “brutal attack” and claimed it pushed America closer to a failed democracy. Let’s be clear: there was no attack. According to Webster’s Dictionary, “brutal” means savage, cruel, or merciless. What occurred here was the enforcement of a lawful order.
Senator Padilla was asked multiple times to leave. He refused. In any other situation, such defiance results in removal—or arrest. Why should a United States Senator be treated differently? Equal justice under the law must apply to everyone.
Congressman Swalwell also called for Secretary Kristi Noem’s resignation. I ask: what exactly did Secretary Noem do wrong? She was holding a press event when a Senator decided to disrupt it with political theater. If anyone should be held accountable, it’s the person who caused the disturbance—not the person trying to inform the public.
Unfortunately, this is yet another example of political double standards. If it’s someone they support, it’s overlooked; if it’s someone they oppose, it’s weaponized. This divisive hypocrisy is tearing the country apart.
In my view, Secretary Noem has shown steady leadership while handling one of our nation’s most complex challenges: immigration enforcement. Her work, in partnership with President Trump’s directives, has helped restore order at the border.
ICE agents and law enforcement officers across the country are under constant attack—not just physically, but also digitally, where they and their families are being doxed, threatened, and targeted for harassment.
Yet the outrage is always reserved for officers wearing protective gear—not for the mobs threatening their lives.
Where is the press release condemning the protests that turned violent? Where is the public support when our officers are under siege?
Instead of highlighting the courage of law enforcement, some in the media and politics are more interested in exploiting isolated errors that can occur in the course of massive and complex operations.
Despite this, ICE leadership—from Director Lyons and Deputy Director Sheehan to Border Czar Tom Homan and Secretary Noem—have shown unwavering support.
They are on the ground, not hiding behind podiums. They are leading from the front lines and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the officers doing the work.
Attorney General Pam Bondi recently announced the arrest of the top three MS-13 leaders operating in the U.S.—a major victory. Hundreds of other violent criminals have also been apprehended thanks to the ongoing immigration efforts. These actions speak louder than partisan rhetoric.
We are at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. The American people are tired of double standards, politicized justice, and leadership by outrage.
It’s time to come together and support those who uphold the law every day—especially our brave first responders facing civil unrest, personal threats, and dangerous working conditions.
Let’s take a moment to pray for them, and for the communities that are suffering. Many businesses damaged or looted during these protests may never recover. These aren’t just buildings—they’re people’s lives, dreams, and livelihoods.
Let’s be better. Let’s be united. And above all, let us remember: no one is above the law.
God bless our officers, our communities, and this great country.
Mathew Silverman
National President
Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association
Comments
2025-06-15T19:50-0400 | Comment by: Mary
I was watching the press event when I hear someone yelling in the audience. I figured it was so descenter, so I worried he was maybe even shoot Secretary Noem. And, when I saw the clip, of this man, rushing th stage, and not obeying the secret service men, but instead fighting them to let him advance, it horrified me. They should have shot him at least with a stun gun to control him. But, no, he's "special". Part of the aristocracy of the dems.. He is treated with kid gloves and won't even be charged. Unlike the poor people from Jan.6th. They aren't the nobility. We already have the 'king", but it isn't President Trump. it's the dems.