California Elections: Swalwell Proposes Measures Against Immigration Agents After Facing Abuse Allegations

Swalwell makes ICE proposal

Proposes state-level sanctions

Denies recent accusations

Representative Eric Swalwell of California escalated his campaign rhetoric this Tuesday in Sacramento, promising firm measures against federal immigration agents if elected governor—placing the Swalwell ICE proposal at the center of the race.

During a public assembly, he proposed direct sanctions for those who fail to comply with his demands. However, his proposals did not include details on how they would be implemented.

“They think they are untouchable. They are not,” Swalwell told a crowd in the state capital, according to Telemundo.

Why it matters: His tougher stance aims to differentiate him in a fragmented Democratic race, where small margins could determine who advances—making the Swalwell ICE proposal a defining issue.

Eric Swalwell vows to punish immigration agents during campaign

Rep. Eric Swalwell promised to aggressively push back on federal immigration officers if elected governor, vowing to make them ineligible for state jobs and take away their driver’s licenses if they refuse to unmask while on duty. https://t.co/1FfS8aZv4p

— NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) April 8, 2026

Swalwell said he would make federal immigration agents ineligible for state jobs if they fail to properly identify themselves.

He also proposed revoking their driver’s licenses if they refuse to remove their masks while on duty.

Swalwell did not explain how he would implement these measures, which could face legal challenges, further fueling debate over his ICE proposal.

The positioning comes after criticism from Democratic rivals, who had accused him of not being tough enough on ICE.

Swalwell reiterated that he wants to abolish ICE and has supported defunding the agency.

Campaign in a competitive landscape

Eric Swalwell: «I’ll take on ICE.»

Also Eric Swalwell: Voted with Republicans to thank ICE for «protecting the homeland.»

Also Eric Swalwell: Endorsed a Republican sheriff who worked hand-in-hand with ICE.https://t.co/F6DiV84W1V

— Tom Steyer (@TomSteyer) April 8, 2026

The event marked the start of a series of campaign activities across the state.

This comes less than a month before mail-in ballots are sent for the June 2 primary.

Eric Swalwell is competing in a race without a dominant candidate, a scenario not seen in more than a decade.

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The top two vote-getters will advance to the general election, regardless of party.

Among his main Democratic opponents are Tom Steyer and Katie Porter.

On the Republican side, key figures include Steve Hilton, backed by Donald Trump, and law enforcement leader Chad Bianco.

Swalwell presented himself as a politician “battle-tested” against Trump in Congress, reinforcing his message around his ICE proposal.

Economic proposals and response to allegations

The candidate also addressed economic and labor issues during his remarks.

He proposed a new corporate tax to address the state’s budget deficits.

He also suggested using state funds to provide healthcare for low-income individuals, including immigrants.

Eric Swalwell expressed support for remote work for state employees, a controversial topic in Sacramento.

“I will support the success of anyone who invests and does business in California if they work with me to raise wages for hardworking Californians and expand benefits,” he said.

During the same event, Eric Swalwell responded for the first time to allegations of inappropriate behavior with staff members.

The accusations emerged in reports published by Politico.

When asked directly, Swalwell responded: “No, no, it’s false.”

He added that allegations regarding nondisclosure agreements in his office have not resulted in any legal proceedings or settlements.

He also emphasized the timing of the accusations, noting they surfaced just weeks before voting begins.