DHS investigates Swalwell for hiring illegal Brazilian nanny

Federal authorities have been alerted to separate allegations involving Rep. Eric Swalwell, as scrutiny around the California Democrat continues to build. US Citizenship and Immigration Services said it has been collecting information regarding claims that Swalwell hired a Brazilian national as a nanny without proper work authorization, and confirmed the matter has been referred to Department of Homeland Security law enforcement for investigation.

“No one is above the law, including a member of Congress,” the agency said.

The development comes as Swalwell is already facing an investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office over a sexual assault allegation reported by media outlets in recent days. Prosecutors encouraged anyone with knowledge of the claims to contact its Special Victims Division.

A letter signed by more than 50 former staffers described the allegations against Swalwell as “serious” and “credible,” and called on him to resign from Congress and end his campaign for governor of California. “The allegations reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN are serious, credible, and demand accountability,” the letter said. “We stand unequivocally with our colleague, who showed extraordinary courage in coming forward to share her truth. We believe her.”

According to reporting by CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle, a former staffer accused Swalwell of sexual assault following a night of drinking, alleging he engaged in sex with her when she could not consent. Three additional women told CNN they experienced other forms of sexual misconduct, including unsolicited explicit images and messages.

Swalwell denied the sexual assault allegation in statements and in a video posted Friday, though he said he had “certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past.” He has not publicly addressed whether he will continue his gubernatorial campaign.

Several Democrats who had previously endorsed Swalwell withdrew their support, and multiple lawmakers are now calling for him to step down.

“We should not tolerate this behavior,” said Virginia Rep. Eugene Vindman told CNN on Sunday. “Representative Eric Swalwell needs to go.”

Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal also called for Swalwell to exit the governor’s race and said she would support expulsion from Congress. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said lawmakers would address the situation when they return to Washington.

In a separate unsigned letter, current staffers described the allegations as “abhorrent” while asking for understanding for those who remain employed. “Any decision of staff members to remain in their roles in the interim should not be viewed as support for Eric Swalwell,” the Saturday letter said.