California Governor Hopeful Eric Swalwell Vows to Strip ICE Officers of Driver’s Licenses
During a recent candidates forum, California Congressman Eric Swalwell made a bold pledge to strip Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers of their driver’s licenses. This announcement came despite California’s policy that grants driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants.
At the Empowerment Congress California Governor Forum on Saturday, Swalwell stated, “They’re going to lose their immunity, they’re not gonna be able to drive. I will take your driver’s license. Good luck walking to work, a-holes.”
Swalwell’s proposal would create a strikingly unusual situation in California: undocumented immigrants are legally allowed to obtain driver’s licenses, while federal ICE officers would have theirs revoked.
Background on California’s Driver License Policy
In 2013, former California Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. This law officially went into effect two years later, making California one of the few states to extend such driving privileges.
Swalwell’s Stance on ICE Enforcement
At the forum, which also featured other gubernatorial candidates like Representative Katie Porter, Swalwell emphasized his strong opposition to ICE. “There’s only one side of the ball to be on, on behalf of Californians when it comes to ICE, and it’s offense,” he said.
Moreover, Swalwell vowed to instruct local law enforcement agencies to use “every power” available to prosecute ICE officers. “I will direct law enforcement to use every power to prosecute [ICE officers] for battery, false imprisonment, and murder,” he declared.
Context of Increased ICE Enforcement and Activism
Since President Trump’s return to office, ICE has intensified enforcement efforts nationwide, prompting activists to escalate their opposition. Nationwide protests erupted after an ICE agent shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis who allegedly drove her SUV at him.
In response to that incident, Swalwell introduced federal legislation titled the ICE OUT Act, alongside Representative Dan Goldman (D-NY). The bill aims to strip ICE officers of their qualified immunity, making it easier to hold them accountable for misconduct.
Legal Outcome of Minneapolis Incident
According to reports, the ICE agent involved in the shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis is unlikely to face prosecution related to her death.
Swalwell’s campaign and legislative efforts signal a hardline approach toward ICE as part of his platform for the California governor’s race.
https://nypost.com/2026/01/17/us-news/eric-swalwell-vows-to-revoke-ice-officers-drivers-licenses-good-luck-walking-to-work-a-holes/
