Complaint Alleges Swalwell Paid Illegal Nanny with Campaign Funds

California congressman accused of violating immigration and employment laws to keep his live-in Brazilian nanny employed.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:03pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting in bold colors depicting the blurred, fragmented image of a politician's figure and immigration paperwork, conveying a sense of political turmoil and legal complications.The allegations of immigration law violations and misuse of campaign funds raise concerns about a prominent politician's commitment to the rule of law.Las Vegas Today

Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell has been accused of violating immigration and employment law to keep his illegal live-in Brazilian nanny, Amanda Barbosa, working for him and his family. Complaints allege Swalwell paid Barbosa under the table with campaign funds when her temporary work authorization was about to expire in 2022, and continued to employ her even after she was no longer authorized to work in the U.S.

Why it matters

The allegations against Swalwell raise concerns about potential misuse of campaign funds and violations of immigration and labor laws. As a prominent Democratic politician who has advocated for reforms to help undocumented immigrants, the revelations could undermine his credibility and political standing, especially amid a separate scandal involving sexual assault allegations.

The details

According to the complaints, Swalwell hired Barbosa, a 33-year-old Brazilian national, as a live-in nanny for his family in the fall of 2021. Barbosa had come to the U.S. on an au pair visa in January 2021. When her visa was set to expire in December 2022, Swalwell allegedly began the process of sponsoring her for a green card. In the meantime, Swalwell is accused of paying Barbosa under the table with campaign funds, totaling $46,930 in 2022, even though she was not authorized to work in the U.S. under her student visa. The complaints also allege that after the direct payments stopped, Swalwell continued to pay for 'childcare' expenses that were written off to himself, amounting to $52,262, as a way to keep Barbosa employed.

  • Barbosa came to the U.S. on an au pair visa in January 2021.
  • Swalwell hired Barbosa as a live-in nanny for his family in the fall of 2021.
  • Barbosa's au pair visa was set to expire in December 2022.
  • In 2022, Swalwell paid Barbosa $46,930 in campaign funds while she was not authorized to work in the U.S.
  • In 2023 and 2024, Swalwell wrote off $52,262 in 'childcare' expenses to himself, allegedly as a way to continue employing Barbosa.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic U.S. Representative from California who is accused of violating immigration and employment laws to keep his illegal live-in Brazilian nanny employed.

Amanda Barbosa

A 33-year-old Brazilian national who worked as a live-in nanny for the Swalwell family from 2021 to 2025, despite not having valid work authorization for much of that time.

Brittany Swalwell

Eric Swalwell's wife, who is also accused of being involved in the alleged scheme to keep Barbosa employed.

Joel Gilbert

A California filmmaker and activist who filed the complaints against Swalwell with the Department of Labor and Department of Homeland Security.

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What they’re saying

“It's a brazen disregard for the law. He's harboring and employing an illegal.”

— Joel Gilbert, California filmmaker and activist

What’s next

The Department of Labor has approved the permanent labor certification that would allow Barbosa to legally work in the U.S. as of 2024. The Federal Election Commission is also investigating Swalwell's use of campaign funds for personal childcare expenses.

The takeaway

The allegations against Swalwell raise serious questions about his adherence to immigration and employment laws, as well as his use of campaign funds. The revelations could significantly damage his political standing, especially as he faces a separate scandal involving sexual assault allegations.