U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was rushed to a Washington, D.C. hospital by ambulance Tuesday.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin tells TMZ … Noem had an allergic reaction today, and was transported to the hospital out of an abundance of caution.

We’re told Noem is alert and recovering — so that’s a good sign.

This comes just days after a chaotic moment during her L.A. riots press briefing  — when U.S. Senator Alex Padilla stormed in, interrupted the whole thing, and got cuffed and detained on the spot.

DHS later confirmed Noem met with Padilla for 15 minutes after his brief detainment.