California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell this week threatened to revoke the driver's licenses of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who wear face masks while on duty if he is elected the state's next governor in November.

A state law banning ICE agents from wearing masks in California is currently on hold after the Trump administration sued over the legislation. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the legislation in September, which would have taken effect Thursday.

The Department of Homeland Security said it would not comply with the state law, and Republicans have argued that ICE agents should be allowed to wear face coverings so they are not targeted with doxxing. Others have argued that states cannot regulate federal authorities.

Swalwell indicated in a Wednesday appearance on MS NOW that he would have the authority because governors have the power to approve or deny driver's licenses.

"If the president is going to send ICE agents to chase immigrants through the fields where they work, what I'm going to do is make them take off their masks and show their faces, show their identification, and if they commit crimes, that they're going to be charged with crimes," he said. 

"If the governor has the ability to issue driver’s licenses to people in California, if you’re going to wear a mask and not identify yourself, you’re not going to be eligible to drive a vehicle in California," Swalwell added.  

Swalwell is one of several prominent Democrats in the state seeking to replace the term-limited Newsom. Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is also seeking the Democratic nomination, along with former California Democratic Rep. Katie Porter. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco is the frontrunner for the Republican nomination.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.