DHS Investigating Allegations Rep. Swalwell Hired Nanny Without Work Authorization

The probe comes as Swalwell also faces sexual assault allegations from a former staffer.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:09pm by

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A fractured, abstract painting with overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue, teal, and violet, conceptually representing the political turmoil surrounding a politician.Allegations of hiring an unauthorized nanny and sexual assault allegations swirling around a leading California gubernatorial candidate create a sense of political chaos.San Francisco Today

The Department of Homeland Security is investigating allegations that Rep. Eric Swalwell, a leading candidate for California governor, hired a nanny who was not legally authorized to work in the U.S. This probe adds to the growing list of controversies surrounding Swalwell, who is also facing sexual assault allegations from a former staffer.

Why it matters

Hiring undocumented workers is a serious legal violation, and the allegations against Swalwell raise questions about his judgment and adherence to immigration laws. The sexual assault allegations also threaten to derail his gubernatorial campaign at a critical time.

The details

According to reports, Swalwell hired a Brazilian nanny whose work authorization permit expired in 2022, but she allegedly continued working for him during the process of him sponsoring her for a green card, even though she was not legally allowed to do so. The Department of Homeland Security has now referred this matter to its law enforcement division for investigation.

  • In 2022, the nanny's work authorization permit expired.
  • In 2024, a permanent labor certification for the nanny was approved.

The players

Rep. Eric Swalwell

A Democratic congressman from California who is running for governor.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

A component of the Department of Homeland Security that is investigating the allegations against Swalwell.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that is investigating the allegations against Swalwell.

Manhattan District Attorney's Office

The office that has opened an investigation into Swalwell over sexual assault allegations by a former staffer.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna

A Florida Republican congresswoman who has announced plans to force a vote to expel Swalwell over the allegations.

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What they’re saying

“USCIS has been collecting information on the allegations involving Congressman Eric Swalwell's hiring of a Brazilian national as a nanny without lawful work authorization. USCIS has referred this matter to DHS law enforcement for investigation.”

— USCIS Spokesperson

“For nearly 20 years, I have served the public — as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women.”

— Rep. Eric Swalwell

What’s next

The DHS investigation into Swalwell's hiring of the nanny is ongoing, and a vote in the House of Representatives to potentially expel Swalwell over the sexual assault allegations could come as soon as this week.

The takeaway

The allegations against Swalwell, both regarding his hiring of an unauthorized nanny and the sexual assault claims, raise serious questions about his judgment and adherence to the law. These controversies threaten to derail his campaign for California governor at a critical time.