Swalwell Proposes Revoke of Driver’s Licenses for Mask-Wearing Immigration Agents

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) made a bold statement on Wednesday, saying he would revoke the driver’s licenses of federal immigration agents who choose to wear masks. This declaration came during his appearance on MS NOW, where he discussed his goals as a gubernatorial candidate.

Swalwell emphasized that one primary responsibility of the governor is to safeguard the state’s most vulnerable populations. He expressed his perspective regarding immigration enforcement actions: “If the president sends ICE agents to track down immigrants in the field, they should remove their masks, show their faces, and present their IDs. If they commit a crime, they will face consequences,” he stated.

He further explained that while the governor has the power to issue driver’s licenses to Californians, those who do not identify themselves by not removing their masks would not be entitled to drive in California. This directive was part of Washington’s tension regarding federal immigration practices.

A law intended to prevent ICE officers from wearing masks while performing their duties was set to be implemented on Thursday. However, the Department of Homeland Security has made it clear that it will not adhere to this law, with the Trump administration escalating the situation by filing lawsuits against states over such regulations. The legislation is currently on pause, with a public hearing expected on January 12th.

Many are concerned about the implications of immigration operations. Critics argue that undercover officers can pose risks to communities, leading to aggressive enforcement actions without accountability. In defense, federal authorities have indicated that these agents often face significant threats, including death threats and doxxing.

Bill Ezeiri, the first assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, elaborated on the legal complexities, stating that California lacks the authority to regulate federal agencies. He mentioned that the state has agreed to shelve the law temporarily, noting that it’s perceived as unconstitutional and suggests an agenda against federal immigration enforcement.

Harmeet K. Dhillon from the Justice Department’s civil rights division criticized Swalwell’s comments, highlighting the irony of his legal background. “It’s quite ironic, considering he once worked as a prosecutor and understands the concept of federal supremacy,” she remarked. Many speculate about the viability of Swalwell’s candidacy for governor, considering the political tension surrounding this issue.