The Department of Homeland Security has made serious allegations against a staff member in U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s office. According to a letter sent to the Illinois senator, the staff member is accused of posing as an attorney in an attempt to gain access to and help release a detained immigrant.
In the letter dated Wednesday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons accused Duckworth’s Constituent Outreach Coordinator, Edward York, of entering an ICE facility on October 29. York allegedly claimed to be the attorney for Jose Ayuzo Sandoval, a 40-year-old Mexican national with a history of multiple deportations and a DUI conviction.
ICE revealed that Ayuzo had attempted to enter the U.S. illegally multiple times in the past, leading to his quick apprehension and deportation each time. Lyons’ letter stated that York falsely claimed to be Ayuzo’s attorney and demanded to speak with him. York even obtained Ayuzo’s signature on a G-28 form, which authorizes an attorney to represent a client in immigration matters.
The allegations further state that York falsified an official DHS form to gain access to Ayuzo and assist with his release. Additionally, a G-28 form was electronically filed by a law firm in Collinsville, Illinois, without Ayuzo’s signature, raising suspicions of collaboration between York and the firm.
Jonathan Turley, a law professor and legal analyst, emphasized the seriousness of the potential charges York may face if the allegations are true. He called for more details from Duckworth’s office regarding York’s status as an attorney.
DHS posted a video purporting to show York at the facility and requested a response from Senator Duckworth. The agency found no record of York being a licensed attorney and raised concerns about a post on the Montgomery County, Illinois, Democrats’ Facebook page regarding a staffer misrepresenting himself to law enforcement.
Lyons’ letter urged Duckworth to respond by November 17 with information about York’s employment status, the falsification of government documents, and whether other staff members were aware of his actions. He emphasized the importance of advocating for constituents victimized by illegal alien crime and working with DHS to remove criminals from the United States.
A search in the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission’s database revealed no results for the name “Edward York.” The seriousness of the allegations and the potential consequences highlight the importance of integrity and transparency in all interactions with law enforcement and immigration matters.
