Trump admin updates: Trump calls for expanded deportations in LA, NYC and more

Top leaders at the Justice Department issued a directive to prosecutors around the country Thursday to be prepared to file charges over the weekend in the event of violence or "obstruction" of police at protests planned in several major cities.

The memo to all 93 U.S. Attorney's Offices, which was reviewed by ABC News, outlines several potentially relevant criminal statutes that prosecutors could consider applying to violent actors at protests.

Associate Deputy Attorney General Aakash Singh further urged in the memo for U.S. attorney's offices to publicize when they may bring cases, and said the federal government will have "zero tolerance" for acts of "rioting, looting, arson, destruction of property, assaults on officers ... and obstruction of federal immigration efforts."

"Push out press releases whenever you file charges in these matters," the memo said. "We will not stop enforcing the law and we will not be deterred from keeping our districts safe."

-ABC News' Alexander Mallin

Sen. Alex Padilla's office released a statement following his removal from Noem's news conference.

"Senator Padilla is currently in Los Angeles exercising his duty to perform Congressional oversight of the federal government's operations in Los Angeles and across California. He was in the federal building to receive a briefing with General Guillot and was listening to Secretary Noem's press conference. He tried to ask the Secretary a question, and was forcibly removed by federal agents, forced to the ground and handcuffed. He is not currently detained, and we are working to get additional information," the office said in a statement.

-ABC News' Luke Barr

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he is outraged over the incident with California Sen. Alex Padilla in Los Angeles.

"I just saw something that sickened my stomach -- the manhandling of a United States Senator. We need immediate answers to what the hell went on," Schumer said on the Senate floor.

Padilla was forcibly removed during DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's news conference on Thursday.

"-ABC News' Lauren Peller

Sen. Alex Padilla, a California Democrat, was forcibly removed from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's news conference at a federal building in Los Angeles.

Padilla tried to interrupt the news conference, saying he had questions for the secretary. He took a few steps toward the podium before officers immediately grabbed him and shoved him out of the room. He was heard saying "hands off me" as he was being forced out.

LA Mayor Karen Bass just reacted on X: "What just happened to @SenAlexPadilla is absolutely abhorrent and outrageous. This administration's violent attacks on our city must end."

California Gov. Gavin Newsom also responded on X: "This is outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful. Trump and his shock troops are out of control. This must end now."

-ABC News' Matt Rivers