Senator Tammy Duckworth's office took immediate action by terminating staffer Edward York following accusations that he misrepresented himself as an attorney in efforts to aid an undocumented individual in ICE custody. The incident took place at an ICE facility in East St. Louis, Illinois.
On October 29, Edward York is reported to have entered the ICE facility using what is claimed to be a falsified Department of Homeland Security (DHS) document. His actions came to light after he met with Jose Ismeal Ayuzo Sandoval, a 40-year-old undocumented immigrant who has a record of multiple deportations and a conviction for driving under the influence.
During York's visit to the facility, he acquired Sandoval's signature on a G-28 form, a document necessary for representation by counsel in immigration proceedings. According to a DHS letter, York had previously submitted a version of this form without the required signature, leading to questions about its authenticity.
Further complicating matters, the Suarez Law Office in Collinsville, Illinois, submitted another G-28 form on behalf of Sandoval, which also lacked the necessary signature, despite York having obtained one. DHS is investigating a potential collaboration between York and the Suarez Law Office to mislead federal officers.
Senator Duckworth, in a letter obtained by Fox News, responded to ICE leadership clarifying that she and her senior staff were unaware and did not endorse York's actions. "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," Duckworth wrote.
York's termination is not the end of his woes, as he may face legal charges for making false statements to federal agents and misrepresentation. DHS has requested additional information from Senator Duckworth's office regarding York's actions and any pertinent documentation.
Authorities have reiterated that Sandoval is still considered an undocumented immigrant with a history of deportations. There is no current indication of misconduct by the Suarez Law Office.
Senator Duckworth, serving as Illinois' senior Democratic senator since 2016, is a veteran of the Iraq War and an advocate for veterans' rights. She is a member of several Senate committees, including Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs. Her office has expressed full cooperation with DHS's requests for information related to the incident.
The case highlights challenges within the U.S. immigration system, the importance of legal representation for detainees, and the consequences of misrepresentation. As DHS continues its investigation, the legal and political implications of the incident remain under scrutiny.
