California Rep. Eric Swalwell, who officially entered the crowded Democrat gubernatorial primary in November, vowed in a recent interview that he would strip drivers licenses from federal immigration officers wearing masks during operations in California, if elected as Governor.
Current Governor Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) is scheduled to leave office on January 4, 2027.
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His statement included charging them with crimes such as kidnapping, false imprisonment, assault and battery, while emphasizing the need to “go on offense” against such federal efforts. Swalwell further argued that anonymity allows for “unaccountable” actions and that officers should be identifiable 24/7.
“If the Governor has the ability to issue driver’s licenses to people in California, if you’re going to wear a mask and not identify yourself, you’re not going to be eligible to drive a vehicle in California,” Swalwell asserted.
Swalwell’s remarks triggered significant backlash, particularly from conservative commentators and politicians, who characterized his “pledge” as an attack on federal law enforcement and an effort to prioritize illegal aliens over officer safety.
Masks are worn by ICE agents to protect themselves and their families against doxxing, threats from progressive groups, and general harassment. Swalwell’s proposals raise Supremacy Clause concerns by interfering with federal law enforcement operations.
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On December 9th, California officials also agreed to suspend enforcement of the measure pending a ruling by U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder on the federal government’s request for a preliminary injunction. Snyder granted a stay on the enforcement of the measure on December 22nd, and the next hearing in the case is scheduled for January 12th.
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“This isn’t true. California has no authority to regulate federal agents. This state law violates the federal Supremacy Clause. We have asked a federal judge to strike it down, and a hearing is scheduled for January 12. In the meantime, California has agreed to put the law on hold and not enforce its unconstitutional mask ban, which is designed to allow radical leftists to dox federal agents enforcing immigration laws.”
Meanwhile, Swalwell’s recent provocation is far from an isolated remark, as he has consistently sought to delegitimize masked enforcement operations, likening the efforts to those of “bank robbers” or “KGB officers.”
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