Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., has continued to defend himself and refute the claims by the Trump administration that he crashed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's news conference before federal officers shoved him outside the room, pushed him onto the floor and handcuffed him.

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, a non-profit working to advance human and civil rights of immigrants, is facing federal investigation and criticism from state lawmakers over its possible involvement in immigration protests. The group has denied accusations of wrongdoing.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem pledged to "liberate" Los Angeles on Thursday at a press conference that was dramatically interrupted when federal agents dragged a Democratic U.S.

U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said at least nine people face federal charges related to the demonstrations. The protests have been prompted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement sweeps spurred by President Trump's directive to find immigrants living in the United States without legal status.