The directive was reportedly triggered by a TikTok video that Trump viewed, according to a CNN report. Padilla described the use of the FBI to target Americans for exercising First Amendment rights as an attack on foundational national values and stated he would seek answers regarding the administration's use of federal agents.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Trump Ordered FBI to Arrest LA Protesters After Seeing TikTok
US Politics14 days ago
Senator Alex Padilla has received a whistleblower disclosure claiming that the White House used federal law enforcement to target people in Southern California for their political speech. The disclosure alleges that Donald Trump directed the FBI to investigate and arrest protesters in Los Angeles for criticizing the administration's mass deportation plan, although FBI analysts later found no evidence that the individuals had committed any crimes or posed any threat to the public.
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