Allegations Against Democratic Staffer
A staff member for a Democratic U.S. senator is now on the lookout for a new job after being accused of impersonating an immigration lawyer in an attempt to assist someone who had been deported.
Todd Lyons, who is the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), briefed Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth on the situation involving Edward York.
In a communication, Lyons stated, “I can confirm that neither I nor my leadership team were aware of, authorized, or directed the actions of any of our employees described in your letter.”
York allegedly intervened on behalf of a 40-year-old individual named Jose Ysmir Ayuzo Sandoval, who had faced deportation to Mexico four times and had a record of drunk driving convictions.
According to Lyons’ letter, “At approximately 1:29 p.m., an individual identified as Edward York, who is reported to be the Constituent Assistance Coordinator in the Senate office, entered the lobby of the field office and, during a discussion with federal agents, claimed to be Mr. Ayuzo’s attorney. Mr. York asked to speak with his ‘client.’
Furthermore, the letter noted, “This employee reportedly took these actions in order to gain access to detainees and to seek their release from custody, which he allegedly did by forging official Department of Homeland Security (DHS) forms.”
York is said to have had Ayuzo sign a document that authorized him to act as a representative in dealings with immigration authorities.
On Monday, Duckworth indicated that York had been terminated from his position.
She mentioned, “After reviewing the matter, I can confirm that neither I nor my leadership team were aware of, authorized, or directed the employee conduct described in your letter.” It was reported that he was officially let go that same day.
Duckworth has been openly critical of ICE, particularly since former President Donald Trump intensified its deportation efforts. In a recent statement, she shared her experiences visiting Broadview with Senator Durbin, emphasizing the importance of ensuring transparency within federal facilities. There was an essential duty for elected officials to question, “What is ICE hiding?”
She added, “I spoke with a mother whose son was distressed over his teacher being taken away. It’s alarming.” Could this incident change the conversation around ICE and its practices? It’s hard to say for certain.
