Swalwell’s Double Standard: Hiding His Address While Vowing To “Unmask” ICE

Bob Capano, a longtime political aide and adjunct professor, argues that Rep. Eric Swalwell is applying one rule for himself and another for law enforcement — shielding his own residence from public view while calling for the exposure of masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. The contradiction, Capano writes, raises questions about consistency, public safety and the responsibilities of public servants.

The Lawsuit And Swalwell’s Defense

Filmmaker Joel Gilbert has sued Swalwell, alleging the congressman does not meet California’s five-year residency requirement to run for governor because he lives in Washington, D.C. Swalwell’s campaign says he maintains a California home but lists a campaign office address on some filings because of repeated "death threats." His consultant, Kate Maeder, described the practice as "legal and common" in California politics for security reasons; Swalwell also holds a California driver’s license and pays state taxes.

Swalwell’s Public Calls To “Unmask” ICE

Capano contrasts Swalwell’s use of protective privacy with his vocal calls to expose masked ICE officers. Last year, Swalwell declared,

"I want this to be absolutely clear — these masked men — roaming around like bank robber bandits — will be unmasked in a Democratic majority."

He went on to compare masked agents to "some 1800s bank robber or some KGB officer in Russia" and said he wanted them "no longer faceless." He has also pledged to strip driver’s licenses from ICE agents who wear masks during California operations if he becomes governor.

Why ICE Officers Wear Masks

ICE agents and other law enforcement personnel sometimes mask their identities to protect themselves and their families from harassment, doxxing and physical attacks. Under previously reported enforcement surges, ICE documented a large increase in assaults — figures cited in public documents point to a dramatic rise in attacks — and employees have faced widespread doxxing. In one notable leak, the personal details of more than 4,500 ICE employees were posted online, leading to harassment and threats.

Responses And Responsibilities

When asked about the doxxing on CNN’s "Cuomo" in 2025, Swalwell acknowledged the leaks but shifted the focus, attributing the posture to the Trump administration’s enforcement approach rather than directly condemning the endangerment of officers. Capano argues that redirecting the conversation away from officers’ safety misses the central issue: if credible threats justify concealing an official’s address, the same concern should extend to officers who risk personal danger in the course of performing their duties.

Legal Reality And Ethical Expectations

Capano concedes Swalwell’s residency defense may be legally tenable — courts and election officials often allow flexibility for federal officials who divide time between Washington and their home districts. The broader point, he insists, is one of principle: integrity requires consistency. Public servants who invoke security to protect themselves should not then advocate policies that strip protections from others who face similar dangers.

Bob Capano is a former senior aide to New York Republican and Democratic elected officials and an adjunct political professor with more than 25 years of experience.