Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth has dismissed a staff member after he allegedly impersonated a lawyer to secure the release of an undocumented immigrant from ICE custody, in a scandal that has raised serious questions about political interference in immigration enforcement.
The Deception Uncovered
Edward York, who served as an outreach coordinator for Senator Duckworth's office, was captured on surveillance footage presenting himself as legal counsel for Jose Ismeal Ayuzo Sandoval, a 40-year-old Mexican national who had been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement earlier this year.
According to a memo obtained by Fox News, Duckworth's office confirmed they terminated York's employment on Monday following the revelation of his deceptive actions. The scandal emerged when York arrived at an ICE field office lobby claiming to be Sandoval's attorney, as detailed in a letter from Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons dated October 29.
Multiple Deportations and Current Detention
Sandoval's case presented particular complications, as records indicate he had previously been deported to Mexico on four separate occasions. His most recent detention followed a DUI conviction in St Louis, Illinois, marking his fifth encounter with immigration authorities.
Surveillance footage, with identities obscured, shows York demanding access to speak with his supposed 'client'. More alarmingly, York successfully obtained a signed form from Sandoval that authorised him to provide representation and communicate with government agencies on the detainee's behalf.
The Scheme Unravels
The deception began to collapse when a separate law firm attempted to submit documentation without Sandoval's signature, despite York having already secured a signed version. Acting ICE Director Lyons noted in his correspondence that "four days later, a Suarez Law Office in Collinsville, Illinois filed a G-28 electronically that did not have Mr. Ayuzo's signature, even though Mr. York, who claimed to work for the law firm, had already obtained a signed form."
Lyons expressed grave concerns about York's actions, stating the staff member "falsified an official Department of Homeland Security form" to achieve his objectives. Investigators found no evidence that York holds a valid license to practice law in any jurisdiction.
The initial tip-off reportedly came from a since-made-private Facebook page that described a staffer misrepresenting himself to ICE officials.
Political Fallout and Responses
In his letter, Lyons made a direct appeal to political figures, writing: "I implore all members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, as well as their staff, to stop the political games that put law enforcement and detainees at risk." He further encouraged advocacy for constituents affected by crimes involving undocumented immigrants.
Senator Duckworth responded promptly, sending a letter back to Lyons on Monday asserting that neither she nor her leadership team had authorised or been aware of York's activities. Her message clarified: "Upon reviewing the matter, I can confirm that neither I nor my leadership team was aware of, authorized or directed what your letter describes as the employee's conduct."
The Senator confirmed that York's employment was terminated effective November 17, 2025, though this appears to be a typographical error in the original documentation, likely referring to 2023 given the current timeline of events.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between political offices and immigration enforcement agencies, raising questions about appropriate boundaries in constituent services involving individuals in federal custody.
