By Matt Underwood Swalwell says he’ll strip driver’s licenses from ICE officers who wear masks if the governor approves it, a proposition that has sparked a flurry of reactions. While the sentiment behind this idea, presumably to deter certain actions by ICE agents, might be appealing to some, the practicality and legality of such a move are immediately called into question. The core issue, as pointed out in numerous responses, is the significant legal hurdle posed by the Supreme Court ruling in *Johnson v. Maryland* (1920), which established that states cannot punish federal agents for performing their duties. This historical precedent severely limits the ability of a state, like California, to revoke the driving privileges of federal officers, regardless of their mask-wearing habits or other actions.
Swalwell says he’ll strip driver’s licenses from ICE officers who wear masks, but let’s consider the logistics. Even if such a measure were somehow legally viable, how would it be practically implemented? Many ICE officers likely don’t hold California driver’s licenses to begin with. The proposed action would necessitate identifying these officers, a process that could be difficult. Furthermore, a substantial number of ICE agents might already hold licenses issued by other states, rendering any action by California largely ineffective. The suggestion also overlooks the federal government’s backing of ICE, and it’s improbable that the federal government would allow this measure to stand without a fight. The federal government, with its greater resources, could easily circumvent the restriction.
Swalwell says he’ll strip driver’s licenses from ICE officers who wear masks, prompting a lot of skepticism. Some commenters suggest that this is a performative act, designed to appease a specific segment of the population without having a real impact. It’s an easy claim to make, but a much harder one to act upon legally and efficiently. Another practical hurdle is the potential for ICE officers to simply obtain licenses from different states, which are also honored in California. In essence, the proposed action could be seen as an exercise in political theater, offering a symbolic gesture of defiance while doing little to affect the actual operations of ICE.
Swalwell says he’ll strip driver’s licenses from ICE officers who wear masks, and this proposal highlights several potential enforcement challenges. The suggestion requires active law enforcement intervention to detain ICE officers, which is unlikely to happen. In addition, the California DMV, which would likely be responsible for taking action, would have to identify which licenses to revoke, which would be a difficult task. The commenter, who mentioned their experience working at the DMV, suggests that suspending/revoking licenses through the DMV’s automated system is straightforward, which would streamline the process if it were actually viable.
Swalwell says he’ll strip driver’s licenses from ICE officers who wear masks, revealing some interesting legal limitations. The full faith and credit clause, the very heart of the US constitution, comes into play here, which means that even if California did revoke a license, it wouldn’t impact that agent’s ability to drive elsewhere. This also raises the question of whether a state can prohibit someone from driving within its borders if the individual holds a valid license from another state. The legal landscape surrounding this proposal is complex.
Swalwell says he’ll strip driver’s licenses from ICE officers who wear masks, revealing that the idea has legal precedent against it. The historical context, dating back to *In re Neagle* and other Supreme Court cases, further underscores the limitations on state authority to regulate federal agents. While the intent might be to hold ICE officers accountable, the actual impact of such a measure would be questionable. Another central point is the current laws allowing ICE to detain people without a warrant, especially within a certain distance of the border.
Swalwell says he’ll strip driver’s licenses from ICE officers who wear masks, and one cannot ignore the broader issues related to immigration enforcement and the ongoing debates surrounding them. The sentiment behind the proposal may stem from the desire to address concerns about ICE’s actions, but the legal and practical hurdles are hard to ignore. The proposed action seems to be an attempt to show strength on immigration issues.