House Oversight Chair Comer Investigates LA Protests Handling

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) has launched an investigation into California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) regarding their handling of recent demonstrations in Los Angeles over President Trump's immigration policies. Comer and Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.) criticized the local and state officials for their sanctuary policies, which they say hinder cooperation with federal immigration authorities and have emboldened rioters. They requested all documents, communications, and records related to the protests, including details on the source of weapons used by rioters, by June 27. The investigation follows similar scrutiny by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), who is probing whether the protests are funded by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, alleging it fuels unrest. Democrats, including Newsom and Bass, have pushed back against Republican criticism, blaming President Trump for escalating tensions. The Department of Justice also received a letter from Comer and Higgins emphasizing the violence against law enforcement during the riots and demanding accountability.