Dem House members say they're in the dark about potential Iran threats to California

Rep. Eric Swalwell said the Trump administration is refusing to brief Congress, leaving state leaders without any info about what the FBI 'actually knows' about potential threats.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:36am by Ben Kaplan

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Democratic members of the House Homeland Security Committee, including Rep. Eric Swalwell and Rep. Bennie Thompson, criticized the Trump administration for keeping Congress in the dark about the war in Iran and potential threats to California. They said the administration is refusing to brief Congress, leaving state leaders without information about what the FBI knows about nonspecific threats to California and which cities could be at risk.

Why it matters

The Democrats' criticisms and demand for more transparency about the war in Iran highlights the ongoing tensions between the administration and Congress, which did not vote to declare war. Lawmakers have challenged the legality of U.S. strikes on Iran and charged that Trump has failed to articulate a clear plan for the country's actions in the Middle East.

The details

Rep. Eric Swalwell said the administration is refusing to brief Congress, leaving him and other state leaders without any information about what the FBI 'actually knows' about potential threats to California. Bay Area law enforcement agencies said they were in touch with federal officials after ABC News reported that the FBI last month warned local officers that Iran 'allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack' by drone-striking the West Coast. However, the White House ultimately challenged the credibility of the warning, accusing ABC News of ignoring that the intelligence was unverified to intentionally alarm Americans.

  • In late February, the FBI issued a warning to local police about potential threats from Iran.
  • On March 7, 2026, President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were present at Dover Air Force Base for the return of the remains of U.S. Army Reserve Soldier Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, who was killed in a drone strike after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran.

The players

Rep. Eric Swalwell

A Democratic member of the House Homeland Security Committee and a candidate for governor of California.

Rep. Bennie Thompson

The ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee, a Democrat from Mississippi.

President Donald Trump

The President of the United States at the time of the events described in the article.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House Press Secretary who challenged the credibility of the FBI warning to local law enforcement.

Rep. Lou Correa

A Democratic member of the House Homeland Security Committee from Santa Ana, California.

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What they’re saying

“We are ready to protect the homeland and put resources where they have to go, but we don't have a partner right now in doing that. We have a lot of political theater.”

— Rep. Eric Swalwell, Democratic member of the House Homeland Security Committee (San Francisco Chronicle)

“You can't fight a war in secret.”

— Rep. Bennie Thompson, Ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee (San Francisco Chronicle)

“TO BE CLEAR: No such threat from Iran to our homeland exists, and it never did.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary (Social media)

“What's Homeland Security doing right now? These are not my words, but my local law enforcement agencies telling me they're concerned because Homeland today is singularly focused on deportations. They have left the back door open to a foreign terrorist attack on our country.”

— Rep. Lou Correa, Democratic member of the House Homeland Security Committee (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.