U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat, drew criticism from conservative commentators after likening the activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to those of Antifa during remarks on 13 August. In a brief statement circulating online, Swalwell said ICE officers are “roaming around like Antifa,” invoking the loosely organized, militant left-wing movement better known for street protests. Republican activists and media figures condemned the comparison, arguing that ICE operates under federal authority while Antifa has been associated with vandalism and violence during civil unrest. Swalwell’s office has not elaborated on the comments, but the episode underscores the sharp partisan divide over immigration enforcement and rhetoric surrounding federal border operations.
Eric Swalwell just compared ICE border patrol agents to members of the communist terror group Antifa. This guy has a screw loose. https://t.co/VkIoeCRvqL
Swalwell: "ICE agents are roaming around like Antifa" I'm not aware of any ICE agents that have burned down any cities. https://t.co/mI5V8AeGZe
DERANGED: Democrat Rep. Eric Swalwell compares ICE agents to ANTIFA. https://t.co/9C0ic8KxaS