Rep. Eric Swalwell sharply criticized Rep. Brandon Gill during a House Judiciary Committee hearing, calling him an "Ivy League, investment-banker nepo congressman" while disputing Gill's support for the "Expedited Removal of Criminal Aliens Act." Gill displayed a photo of an alleged gang member arrested by ICE, which Swalwell called a political stunt and argued would broaden ICE's authority. Swalwell also warned high-profile GOP figures, including Gov. Kristi Noem and adviser Tom Homan, that Democrats would pursue subpoenas and rigorous oversight if they regain the House after the 2026 midterms.
Swalwell Calls Out 31-Year-Old Rep. Brandon Gill as an 'Ivy League, Investment-Banker Nepo Congressman' in Heated Judiciary Hearing
Rep. Eric Swalwell sharply criticized Rep. Brandon Gill during a House Judiciary Committee hearing, calling him an "Ivy League, investment-banker nepo congressman" while disputing Gill's support for the "Expedited Removal of Criminal Aliens Act." Gill displayed a photo of an alleged gang member arrested by ICE, which Swalwell called a political stunt and argued would broaden ICE's authority. Swalwell also warned high-profile GOP figures, including Gov. Kristi Noem and adviser Tom Homan, that Democrats would pursue subpoenas and rigorous oversight if they regain the House after the 2026 midterms.
12:35 PM, 11/19/2025Politics
At a House Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) directly confronted 31-year-old Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX), labeling him an "Ivy League, investment-banker nepo congressman" while disputing Gill's support for a tough immigration bill.
Swalwell's rebuke came as Gill defended the "Expedited Removal of Criminal Aliens Act," legislation that would authorize expedited removal of noncitizens alleged to be gang members, linked to foreign terrorist organizations, or convicted of certain specified crimes.
Gill, a Dartmouth graduate who founded the pro-Trump D.C. Enquirer, has been a vocal backer of former President Trump's hardline immigration priorities. He is married to Danielle D'Souza, daughter of conservative filmmaker Dinesh D'Souza, and previously promoted the contested documentary "2000 Mules." He also sought to impeach a judge who struck down a Trump-era deportation order for Venezuelan migrants suspected of gang ties.
During the hearing, Gill displayed a large photo of Antonio Israel Lazo-Quintanilla, whom he identified as an alleged gang member and a convicted killer in El Salvador who was arrested by ICE in Maryland. Gill pressed Democrats to explain why the man should not be deported, noting a reported "666" tattoo on the individual's forehead even while acknowledging that the person had not committed a violent crime on U.S. soil.
Swalwell dismissed the display as a political stunt and argued that Gill's bill was a pretext to expand ICE's legal authority and make it easier to remove more people from this country.
"Today, this legislation is about making it easier for ICE to remove more of our friends and neighbors," Swalwell said. "Are you having a difficult time tearing people away from their families, and you think you need more abilities to do it?"
Representatives for Swalwell and Gill did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Swalwell, who is reportedly considering a 2026 run for governor of California, also warned prominent GOP figures — including South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and border adviser Tom Homan — that Democrats would use subpoenas and extended oversight if they regain control of the House after the 2026 midterms.
"Get to know that witness chair. You're gonna be parked in it for a long time," Swalwell said, predicting sustained questioning under oath and promising accountability.