WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security is investigating allegations that former Rep. Eric Swalwell may have violated immigration law by employing a Brazilian national as a nanny without proper work authorization.
The inquiry stems from a formal complaint filed earlier this year alleging that Swalwell and his wife hired a Brazilian woman to work as a live-in nanny despite lapses in her legal work status.
Allegations Center on Work Authorization
The complaint claims the nanny, identified in filings as Amanda Barbosa, entered the United States on an au pair visa in 2021 and was later employed by the Swalwell family.
According to the allegations, her authorization to work in the U.S. expired in 2022, but she continued providing child care services afterward.
The filings also allege that payments may have been structured in a way that obscured her employment status, including claims that campaign funds were used for child care-related expenses.
Source of the Complaint
The complaint was submitted by filmmaker Joel Gilbert.
Gilbert has filed similar complaints with multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Labor and the Federal Election Commission, though no findings of wrongdoing have been publicly confirmed.
No Findings Yet
As of now, the DHS investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not announced any conclusions or charges.
Financial records have also drawn scrutiny. In 2022, Swalwell’s campaign reportedly paid Barbosa $46,930, despite concerns she may not have been authorized to work in the U.S. at the time. In 2023 and 2024, Swalwell reported a combined $52,262 in “childcare” expenses reimbursed to himself, a practice critics allege may have allowed continued employment after her visa expired.
Swalwell has not been charged with any crime related to the allegations, and the claims remain unproven.
Broader Political Fallout
The investigation comes as Swalwell faces scrutiny from separate controversies, including sexual misconduct allegations that he has denied.
The mounting pressure led Swalwell to suspend his campaign for California governor and resign from Congress.
What Comes Next
Federal investigators are expected to review employment records, immigration filings, and financial disclosures as part of the probe.
For now, the case remains under investigation, with key details still unresolved.
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He paid her that much for babysitting?
She lived in their house, so she didn’t have to worry about a mortgage or, probably, food.
What else did she get paid for?
Nice job with nice pay if ya can get it! 😆
And what money was used to pay for this woman’s ‘job’?
Where did it come from?