The Department of Homeland Security has opened an investigation into Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell following allegations that he employed a Brazilian national as a nanny after her legal work authorization had expired.
According to a complaint filed on February 16 by Joel Gilbert, Amanda Raissa Barbosa originally entered the United States on an au pair visa in 2021. The report alleges that Swalwell continued to employ Barbosa throughout 2023 despite her status lapsing in 2022.
During this period, campaign funds were reportedly used to reimburse child care expenses, a move critics suggest was intended to conceal her employment until she secured permanent work authorization in 2024.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has been gathering information on the matter.
“These allegations are serious,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the case has been referred to DHS law enforcement. “Federal law prohibits employers from knowingly hiring aliens who are not authorized to work in the United States. No employer, including a member of Congress, is above the law.”
READ: Swalwell Camp Spirals In California As Allegations Trigger Manhattan DA Probe
The probe surfaces as the California representative faces a separate wave of sexual misconduct allegations. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office announced Saturday that it is investigating a claim involving an incident following a 2024 charity event.
Other allegations include a report from a former staffer involving sexual activity during a time she was reportedly unable to provide consent.
Swalwell, who is currently a frontrunner in the race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, has denied all claims of misconduct. In a statement to the San Francisco Chronicle, he characterized the accusations as politically motivated “lies” surfacing just before an election.
“For nearly 20 years, I have served the public—as a prosecutor and a congressman—and have always protected women,” Swalwell said. “I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action.”
The controversy has prompted several members of his own party to call for his withdrawal from the gubernatorial race.
This is not the first time the Congressman’s personal associations have drawn scrutiny; in 2023, he was removed from the House Intelligence Committee due to his past ties with Christine Fang, an alleged operative for China’s Ministry of State Security. Swalwell has consistently maintained he committed no wrongdoing in that matter.
While DHS officials say they will “aggressively enforce statutes to uphold the rule of law,” Swalwell has not yet issued a specific comment regarding the nanny investigation. For now, the Congressman stated his immediate priority is staying with his family as he prepares his legal defense.
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