Rep. Eric Swalwell told an Empowerment Congress summit in Los Angeles that if elected California governor he would revoke the driver’s licenses of ICE agents who wear masks while driving and move to strip agency immunities. He said he would direct prosecutors to pursue charges including battery, false imprisonment and murder. Swalwell is working with Rep. Dan Goldman on legislation to remove qualified immunity for ICE agents and framed the pledge as part of an offensive strategy to protect Californians.
Swalwell Vows To Revoke ICE Agents’ Driver’s Licenses If Elected California Governor — 'Good Luck Walking To Work, A**holes'
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) told a Los Angeles summit on Saturday that if he is elected governor of California he would revoke the driver’s licenses of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who wear masks while driving and would move to strip the agency’s legal immunities.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Empowerment Congress, a nonprofit that focuses on racial and economic equity, Swalwell said he would use the powers of the governor’s office to pursue accountability for federal agents operating in California. A video of his remarks was posted online by political video curator Acyn Torabi.
"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, a**holes."
Swalwell added that, as governor, he would direct state and local law enforcement to use "every power" to pursue charges against ICE officers, including battery, false imprisonment and murder. He framed the approach as aggressive accountability for alleged abuses by immigration enforcement officers.
The congressman pointed to his willingness to take confrontational positions in the past — referencing his work with Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) on allegations about President Donald Trump and Russia in 2016 — to underscore that he is prepared to fight for his proposed policies.
Swalwell is also reportedly collaborating with Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) on legislation to remove qualified immunity protections for ICE agents. The push follows nationwide anti-ICE demonstrations that intensified after the recent shooting death of Renee Goodin in Minneapolis.
On social media, Swalwell described ICE under the Trump administration as inflicting "cruelty" on communities and said he was "fighting to end impunity for ICE and hold them accountable for their actions." He is among several Democrats campaigning to succeed California Gov. Gavin Newsom in the state’s upcoming election.
Context And Reaction
Swalwell’s remarks are part of a broader debate over immigration enforcement, qualified immunity for federal agents, and the role state officials can play in holding federal personnel accountable. Critics are likely to argue his proposal may raise legal and constitutional questions about state authority over federal employees, while supporters will welcome tougher oversight of immigration enforcement.
Video Source: A clip of Swalwell’s remarks was circulated online by Acyn Torabi.
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