During a gubernatorial forum in Los Angeles on January 17, 2026, Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell made headlines with a controversial threat directed at federal immigration officers. Swalwell, who is campaigning to replace California Governor Gavin Newsom, vowed to revoke the driver’s licenses of agents from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), referring to them derogatorily during his remarks.
Swalwell’s comments came at the Empowerment Congress California Governor Forum, where he stated, “They’re going to lose their immunity, they’re not gonna be able to drive. I will take your driver’s license. Good luck walking to work, assholes.” This statement has garnered significant attention and criticism, particularly from those opposing his stance on immigration enforcement.
Swalwell’s Promise to Prosecute ICE Agents
In addition to threatening to revoke licenses, Swalwell pledged to mobilize local law enforcement against ICE agents. He declared, “I will direct law enforcement to use every power to prosecute [ICE officers] for battery, false imprisonment and murder.” This aggressive stance aligns with a broader criticism Swalwell has levied against ICE over the past several months, during which he has likened the agency’s operations to those of the KGB and referred to its officers as “terrorizing bandits.”
The remarks have also drawn scrutiny from political opponents. Abigail Jackson, a spokesperson for the White House, criticized Swalwell’s comments, saying, “Fang Fang’s former lover wants to give driver’s licenses to criminal illegal aliens and simultaneously punish law enforcement officers for enforcing the law?” This statement referenced Swalwell’s previous connection to a suspected Chinese spy during his congressional campaign.
Legal Implications and Political Reactions
Legal experts have indicated that Swalwell’s proposed actions may exceed his authority due to federal supremacy over state law, particularly concerning immigration enforcement. The congressman, alongside Democratic New York Representative Dan Goldman, recently introduced legislation aimed at stripping ICE officers of their qualified immunity protections. This proposal came just two days after an ICE agent was involved in a fatal incident in Minneapolis, further intensifying the debate surrounding the agency’s practices.
Swalwell’s comments and the subsequent political fallout reflect a growing divide in U.S. immigration policy discussions. His supporters view his remarks as a necessary challenge to federal law enforcement, while opponents argue that such threats undermine the rule of law and the essential duties of immigration officers. As the gubernatorial race continues, Swalwell’s stance on ICE is likely to remain a focal point in his campaign.
