✊Capitol Police detain Senator Padilla during DHS oversight hearing

Arresting senators during official oversight activities eliminates constitutional separation of powers by preventing Congress from questioning executive officials. Democratic accountability depends on legislative authority to investigate government activities without executive retaliation against elected representatives performing constitutional duties.

Congressional questioning of executive officials ensures that government agencies operate according to law and serve public rather than political interests. Legislative oversight provides essential check on executive power while protecting citizens from government abuse through democratic accountability and transparent questioning of official actions.

When executives prevent congressional oversight through arrests or intimidation, they eliminate constitutional limits on government power that protect democratic institutions. Separation of powers requires that legislators can question officials without fear of retaliation or prosecution for performing constitutional oversight responsibilities.

Elected representatives ask questions that reflect constituent concerns about government performance, policy implementation, and official conduct. Congressional oversight serves citizen interests by ensuring that government officials answer for their actions while maintaining democratic accountability through elected representative inquiry.