Democrats on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee are pressing for a formal hearing to scrutinize President Donald Trump’s approach to the recent protests in Los Angeles, which have sparked widespread controversy over federal immigration policies and enforcement tactics.

The call for oversight comes in the wake of Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops and Marines in response to demonstrations against his immigration measures. This move, described by California Governor Gavin Newsom as “purposefully inflammatory,” has intensified the standoff between state and federal authorities, culminating in California's legal challenge against the administration.

In a revealing letter obtained by POLITICO, Senate Democrats urged committee chair, Senator Rand Paul, to convene a hearing. They specifically want testimony from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to address the administration’s actions, which they argue have jeopardized public safety and heightened tensions in an already volatile environment.

The situation escalated further following an incident involving Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), who was forcibly subdued and handcuffed by Secretary Noem’s security during a press conference about the ongoing protests. This confrontation has only added fuel to the fiery debate over the appropriateness of the federal response.

Despite these dramatic events, the response from Republicans has been muted. GOP members of the Senate, largely supportive of Trump’s immigration policies, have shown little inclination to back the Democrats' call for a hearing, dismissing the episode with Senator Padilla as political theatrics.

Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), the ranking Democratic member on the committee, has attempted to engage directly with Secretary Noem following the incident with Senator Padilla, but to no avail. A spokesperson for Senator Paul has yet to respond to the Democrats' request for comment on the matter.

As tensions continue to simmer, the oversight hearing, if it happens, could serve as a critical forum for addressing the complexities and legal implications of the Trump administration's approach to handling protests and civil unrest.