A staff member for Senator Tammy Duckworth allegedly misrepresented himself as an attorney to secure the release of a detained immigrant, according to a letter from the Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The incident raises serious questions about protocol and potential obstruction of federal law enforcement.
The staffer, identified as Edward York, a Constituent Outreach Coordinator, entered an ICE facility in St. Louis, Illinois on October 29th. He claimed to be the attorney for Jose Ismeal Ayuzo Sandoval, a 40-year-old individual with a history of multiple deportations to Mexico and a prior DUI conviction.
York reportedly demanded to speak with his “client,” and successfully gained access to Ayuzo. He then secured the detainee’s signature on a G-28 form, a crucial document granting an attorney the power to represent a client in immigration matters and receive official correspondence.
The situation took a troubling turn when York attempted to submit a release order with a G-28 form lacking Ayuzo’s signature, despite having obtained a signed version in person. This raised immediate red flags for ICE officials.
Further investigation revealed a potential collaboration to conceal the misrepresentation. A law firm, Suarez Law Office, filed an electronic G-28 form without Ayuzo’s signature just days later, even though York had already secured the signed document.
ICE confirmed they could not verify York’s status as an attorney. The agency’s suspicions were further fueled by a Facebook post from the Montgomery County Illinois Democrats, detailing a planned effort to misrepresent oneself to law enforcement with documents and a release order.
The ICE letter formally requests a response from Senator Duckworth’s office by November 17th. It demands answers regarding York’s employment, whether he knowingly falsified government documents, and if his actions were authorized or known to other staff members.
The Acting Director of ICE expressed strong concern, urging all members of Congress and their staff to cease actions that endanger law enforcement and detainees. He emphasized the need to prioritize the safety of citizens victimized by illegal activity and to support the removal of criminals from the United States.
The incident has prompted a call for accountability and a thorough investigation into the actions of the Senator’s staff member and any potential complicity. The implications of this alleged deception extend beyond a single case, potentially undermining the integrity of the legal process.
