DHS Investigates Congressman Swalwell Over Alleged Illegal Nanny Employment

The Department of Homeland Security is investigating Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) over allegations that he hired a nanny without proper legal authorization. The probe comes as the congressman faces separate sexual assault allegations.

DHS launched the inquiry after allegations surfaced that Swalwell employed a nanny in violation of federal hiring requirements, according to reporting from April 13, 2026. The specific details of the alleged violation and the timeline of the employment arrangement have not been publicly disclosed. A spokesperson for DHS confirmed the investigation is underway, though neither the agency nor Swalwell's office has released statements detailing the scope or stage of the probe.

Swalwell, who has represented California's 15th district since 2013, has not publicly commented on the DHS investigation. The congressman has previously faced scrutiny over his relationship with Christine Fang, a Chinese national and alleged spy, which was disclosed in 2020.

The nanny employment investigation is separate from sexual assault allegations that have recently emerged against Swalwell, though both matters now place the congressman under official scrutiny.

Context

Federal law requires employers to verify that household employees are authorized to work in the United States through the I-9 verification process. Violations can result in civil penalties ranging from $100 to $1,000 per unauthorized employee, and criminal penalties in cases of knowing violations. Similar investigations into household employment have affected other public figures, including former nominees and sitting officials, making employment verification a recurring compliance issue in Washington.

Swalwell has been a prominent figure in Democratic politics, serving on the House Intelligence Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. He ran for president in 2020 before withdrawing from the race in July 2019.

What's Next

The DHS investigation will likely determine whether Swalwell knowingly violated employment verification requirements or whether the violation was administrative in nature. The outcome could affect his standing with Democratic leadership and his ability to serve on sensitive committees. No timeline for the investigation's completion has been announced.