DOJ blasts Swalwell after threats against ICE agents

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) is now trying to play tough guy to drum up support for his run as governor of California.

With Democrat Katie Porter falling off the ledge after a meltdown, Swalwell entered the race, literally promoting himself as the protector of the people. Now, if elected, he is promising to revoke the licenses of ICE agents as well as suggesting he would charge them. And now he has the attention of the DOJ.

Running for Governor

Swalwell announced his candidacy while appearing on Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night TV show.

He later stated, "I’m running to be a governor for all Californians. I’m the son of two Republicans, the son of a cop, and I grew up in a law-enforcement family.

“I worked as a prosecutor myself. I know that whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat in this state, public safety for yourself, your kids, and your community is a top priority."

He immediately surpassed Porter in polling, but in the most recent poll, he still lags behind Steve Hilton, the top Republican candidate.

Going After ICE

Swalwell, like many Democrats, has pitched a fit about ICE wearing masks when they are out on operations.

To that point, he stated, “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.”

Governor Gavin Newsom tried to put something like that into effect in 2025, and the DOJ immediately filed suit against him.

The law is currently on hold until it works its way through the courts.

DOJ Goes Off

We know why Swalwell is making these statements, but the DOJ is not going to give him his 15 minutes over this.

Harmeet Dhillon, U.S. assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division, responded, "What’s even dumber about this is that Swalwell has a law degree and he even once made a living as a prosecutor.

"He knows about federal supremacy and that it is not possible for a state prosecutor to do any of the things he is promising. Oh and he won’t ever be governor, either.”

I would have preferred a more law-oriented response, but most people in this administration seem to prefer insults, so it is what it is. The important thing is that the administration plans to fight this absurdity, because that is exactly what it is.