The Department of Homeland Security has launched an investigation into claims that California Representative Eric Swalwell unlawfully employed a Brazilian nanny, according to officials.
Reports suggest that Swalwell hired the nanny to care for his children, and she allegedly continued working for the family even after her work authorization expired in 2022, as revealed by the New York Post.
This issue came to the DHS’s attention following a referral from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), as reported by Politico.
“USCIS has been gathering details concerning Congressman Eric Swalwell’s employment of a Brazilian national as a nanny without proper work authorization,” stated DHS spokesperson Lauren Bis in a statement to the media. “These allegations are taken seriously, and USCIS has passed this matter to DHS law enforcement for further investigation.”
Bis further noted, “Federal law prohibits the employment of individuals not authorized to work in the U.S. No employer, including members of Congress, is exempt from this law.”
In February, the DHS received a complaint alleging that the nanny, Amanda Barbosa, was frequently pictured with the Swalwell family in social media posts throughout 2023 and 2024. This suggested an ongoing relationship and childcare duties, despite her lacking valid work authorization.
The congressman hired Barbosa, 33, to look after his three children in 2021.
The Rio de Janeiro native arrived on an au pair visa and was paid $3,914 in campaign funds that year, according to an analysis of Federal Election Commission data by The Post.
The next year, Barbosa was paid $46,930 in campaign funds, FEC records show.
Her au pair visa ended in 2022 and Swalwell began the process of sponsoring her for a green card, according to a permanent labor certification application reviewed by The Post.
As her application was under review, she enrolled at community college, according to her LinkedIn, and under student visa rules, was barred from working off campus.
But social media posts from her now-deleted Facebook account show Barbosa caring for the kids at a variety of family events over the next two years, even boldly posting photos with the children at the annual White House picnic in 2023 and 2024.
Meanwhile, Swalwell announced Sunday he was suspending his California gubernatorial campaign after four women accused him of sexual misconduct — including alleged rape.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office has opened a probe into allegations that he sexually assaulted a former staffer in a New York City hotel room in April 2024.
“We urge survivors and anyone with knowledge of these allegations to contact our Special Victims Division,” a district attorney’s office spokesperson said in a statement Saturday.
“Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators, and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner.”
