False Attorney Representation by Sen. Duckworth’s Office
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reported that an employee from Senator Tammy Duckworth’s office misled authorities by posing as an attorney for detained undocumented immigrants to secure their release.
In a letter sent to Duckworth, Todd Lyons, Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), revealed that an individual falsely claimed to be the attorney for Jose Ismir Ayuzo Sandoval, who has a criminal background that includes multiple deportations and a DUI conviction.
On October 29, the individual, identified as Edward York, entered an ICE facility in St. Louis. He approached federal agents and stated he was Mr. Ayuzo’s legal representative, seeking to communicate with his “client,” according to the letter.
Furthermore, it was alleged that York sought release for detainees by falsifying Department of Homeland Security (DHS) documents. During his visit, he got Ayuzo to sign a G-28 form, which authorizes legal representation in immigration matters and allows correspondence with government agencies.
However, after securing a release order and obtaining the signed G-28 in person, York allegedly tried to submit the form again without Ayuzo’s signature.
Four days later, a law firm associated with York filed the G-28 without the necessary signature, raising further questions about potential collusion to obscure the misrepresentation.
DHS is looking into social media posts that reported on the event, especially one from the Montgomery County Democratic Party, which indicated that York arrived at the ICE office with documents intended to mislead law enforcement.
In the letter, Lyons requested answers from Duckworth’s office by November 17 about York’s employment status, whether he knowingly falsified government documents, and any involvement from other staff members in the situation.
In a plea directed at members of Congress, Lyons urged them to halt political maneuvering that jeopardizes both law enforcement and detainees, emphasizing the need to address criminal elements residing in the country.
As of now, Duckworth’s office has not commented on the issue.
