Congressman Eric Swalwell Confronts Immigration and Sexual Assault Allegations
Aspiring California governor and sitting Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell is facing a mounting crisis as he grapples with explosive accusations of violating immigration law to retain his Brazilian nanny and using campaign funds for her payments. These allegations emerge alongside separate, deeply serious claims of sexual assault and misconduct from four women, including a former staffer, which have rocked his political campaign.
Immigration and Employment Law Violations Alleged
According to recently filed complaints to the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor, Swalwell is accused of keeping his Brazilian nanny, Amanda Barbosa, employed in the United States after her temporary work authorization allegedly expired. Barbosa was legally authorized to work for the Swalwell family from January 2021 to December 2022. However, the complaint asserts that Swalwell and his wife, Brittany Watts, continued to employ her between January 2023 and February 2025, despite her lacking proper visa status during this period.
Federal Election Commission records, first obtained by the New York Post and the Daily Mail, reveal that Barbosa received $46,930 in campaign funds in 2022. Although she was not listed in FEC records for 2023 and 2024, Swalwell wrote off $9,713.42 for 'Payroll Tax for Campaign Childcare Reimbursement.' By 2025, after her permanent labor certification was approved in 2024, she received an additional $38,905 in campaign funds.
Photographs from Barbosa's since-deleted Facebook page, included in the complaint, show her traveling and spending time with the Swalwell family, including several trips to the White House, during the timeframe when her visa status was allegedly invalid. The complaints were filed by reporter and documentary maker Joel Gilbert, intensifying scrutiny on Swalwell's conduct.
Sexual Assault and Misconduct Accusations Surface
In a separate but concurrent development, Swalwell has been hit with bombshell accusations of sexual assault and misconduct by four women, including a former staffer. These allegations, reported by CNN, include a claim from a former staffer who accused Swalwell of having sex with her when she was unable to give consent in April 2024 after a night of heavy drinking in New York City.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has confirmed it is investigating these allegations, urging survivors and witnesses to contact their Special Victims Division. The accuser detailed waking up to Swalwell having sex with her in his hotel bed, stating, 'I was pushing him off of me, saying no. He didn't stop.'
Political Fallout and Denials
Swalwell has staunchly denied all sexual assault claims, sharing a video on social media where he appeared visibly shaken and addressed his wife directly. 'These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have,' he declared. He also apologized to his wife for putting her in this position and suggested a conspiracy, noting the timing of the allegations ahead of the June 2 primary.
Despite his denials, Swalwell is facing intense pressure from party colleagues, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, to drop out of the gubernatorial race. Real Clear Politics' average shows him trailing Republican Steve Hilton in the jungle primary, further jeopardizing his campaign. The dual scandals have led to calls for his resignation and prompted investigations that could derail his political ambitions.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Swalwell, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Homeland Security for comment, but responses are pending as the controversies continue to unfold.
