Democrats are drafting some outrageous ideas.
California Democrats are moving toward new penalties aimed at federal immigration officers, escalating an ongoing conflict with President Trump’s immigration enforcement strategy.
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) said Wednesday that if he is elected governor, he would support revoking California driver’s licenses from federal immigration officers who wear masks while conducting operations in the state.
During an interview on MS NOW, Swalwell argued that California has authority over driving privileges and claimed officers who do not visibly identify themselves should not be allowed to operate vehicles on California roads.
“If the governor has the ability to issue driver’s licenses in California, then those who refuse to identify themselves shouldn’t be eligible to drive,” Swalwell said.
New California Law Targets ICE Operations
Swalwell’s comments follow the rollout of a new California law restricting how Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers may operate within the state. The statute bans ICE agents from wearing masks during enforcement actions.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the measure into law in September, claiming it would prevent federal officers from being “hidden from accountability.”
Federal officials strongly disagree.
The Department of Homeland Security announced it would not comply with the law, arguing California has no legal authority to regulate federal agents. The Trump administration filed a lawsuit in November, asserting the law violates the U.S. Constitution and federal supremacy.
Federal Judge Allows Law to Proceed
On December 9, California agreed to temporarily halt enforcement while the courts reviewed the case. However, U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder denied the administration’s request for a preliminary injunction on December 22.
As a result, the law is currently allowed to stand while litigation continues. Another court hearing is scheduled for January 12.
Federal prosecutors remain firm in their opposition. Bill Essayli, first assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, wrote on X that “California has no authority to regulate federal agents performing federal duties.”
Trump Administration Expands Enforcement
Since Donald Trump returned to office last January, federal immigration enforcement has increased sharply across California.
According to the Pew Research Center, an estimated 2.25 million illegal immigrants reside in California — the highest total of any state.
That enforcement push has sparked protests, particularly in Los Angeles. In June, demonstrations against ICE operations prompted President Trump to deploy the California National Guard and U.S. Marines over objections from Newsom.
A federal judge later ruled the deployment unconstitutional in September, adding another legal flashpoint in the ongoing dispute between California Democrats and the Trump administration over immigration policy and federal authority.
