The Department of Homeland Security confirmed on Sunday that a federal investigation into Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) includes allegations that he hired a Brazilian national as a nanny without lawful work authorization and subsequently lied about the employment.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had been collecting information on the allegations before referring the matter to DHS law enforcement for investigation. The department issued a statement from its official X account: "USCIS has been collecting information on the allegations involving Congressman Eric Swalwell hiring of a Brazilian national as a nanny without lawful work authorization. @USCIS has referred this matter to DHS law enforcement for investigation. No one is above the law, including a member of Congress."
The investigation into the nanny employment comes as Swalwell faces multiple other federal inquiries. The Manhattan district attorney opened an investigation into Swalwell on Saturday after learning that one of the women accusing him of sexual misconduct lived in New York. Weeks earlier, the Justice Department opened an unrelated investigation into Swalwell alleging mortgage fraud.
What the Right Is Saying
Republicans have seized on the revelations to intensify calls for accountability. Conservative commentators and GOP officials have highlighted the statement from DHS that "no one is above the law," arguing that if the allegations are proven true, Swalwell should face serious consequences.
House Republican leaders have called for thorough investigations into all matters involving Swalwell. Some conservatives have argued that the multiple investigations and accusations paint a pattern of behavior that voters should consider. Republican National Committee spokesperson Sarah Anderson stated: "These allegations are deeply serious and demand a full, transparent investigation."
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive Democrats and supporters of Swalwell have largely distanced themselves from the congressman following the allegations. Multiple Democrats in Congress withdrew their endorsements of his gubernatorial campaign and called on him to drop out of the race. Some went further, calling on him to resign his congressional seat.
However, some progressive voices have noted the complexity of the situation. A spokesperson for Swalwell emphasized that he has denied all accusations, calling them "flat false" and stating he would fight back with everything available to him. Supporters have pointed out that the investigations are ongoing and no charges have been filed.
What the Numbers Show
The DHS investigation marks at least three separate inquiries into Swalwell's conduct. The Manhattan DA opened its investigation on Saturday, the DOJ opened a mortgage fraud investigation weeks earlier, and now the USCIS referral adds a third federal matter.
Since the accusations began surfacing on Friday, Swalwell has lost endorsements from every Democrat in Congress who had previously supported his gubernatorial campaign. His congressional office and campaign staff resigned en masse, issuing a joint memo calling on voters to withdraw support.
No charges have been filed in any of the investigations. Swalwell has denied all allegations as "flat false."
The Bottom Line
The confirmation of the DHS investigation adds a third federal inquiry to Swalwell's legal troubles. The allegation that he hired an illegal nanny and subsequently lied about it carries potential immigration and employment law violations. With no charges filed yet, the investigations remain ongoing.
The political fallout has been swift and severe. Complete loss of Democratic support in Congress, mass staff resignations, and multiple investigations create a challenging environment for Swalwell's congressional seat and gubernatorial ambitions. The coming weeks will likely see continued developments as law enforcement reviews the allegations.