California Democratic lawmaker and gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell has made a bold pledge that, if elected governor, he would revoke the driver’s licenses of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents operating in the state, New York Post reported.
Swalwell, who represents parts of California in the US House of Representatives, said he would strip ICE officers of their immunity and take away their legal ability to drive if they are enforcing immigration policies in the state. “They’re going to lose their immunity, they’re not going to be able to drive. I will take your driver’s licence. Good luck walking to work,” he said.
He made the comments at a campaign forum, which came days after the fatal shooting of a woman by an immigration agent in Minnesota’s Minneapolis. It sparked a renewed wave of anger and nationwide protests against ICE.
‘Will prosecute ICE agents’
Swalwell, who previously sought the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, also went further by saying he would direct local law enforcement to prosecute ICE agents for alleged offenses such as battery, false imprisonment, and even murder, on the basis that such actions would protect California residents from what he views as unchecked federal power.
“You know me. I’m not shy,” he asserted. He had made a similar promise earlier this month when he said he would strip ICE agents of their driving licences if they wear masks.
‘ICE agents shouldn’t wear masks’
According to Human Rights Watch legal observers have criticised the practice of ICE agents wearing masks and operating without clear identification, saying it undermines accountability and transparency in enforcement actions. Critics argued that such anonymity weakens oversight and fosters mistrust in law enforcement.
Legislative proposals such as the VISIBLE Act and other bills had been introduced in Congress to require federal immigration agents to display visible identification and ban masks in routine operations, reflecting concerns over lack of accountability and transparency, according to Fox News.
The California gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026. The non-partisan blanket primary for this election will be held earlier in the year on June 2.