In a case that has sparked outrage in Washington and renewed scrutiny of congressional oversight, a staff member in the office of Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth is under investigation after allegedly impersonating an immigration attorney to help a detained man who had been deported multiple times.
According to documents obtained by Fox News and confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the staffer, identified as Edward York, reportedly posed as a legal representative for Jose Ismeal Ayuzo Sandoval, a 40-year-old undocumented immigrant being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in East St. Louis, Illinois.
The incident occurred on October 29, when York allegedly entered an ICE field office and introduced himself to federal officers as Sandoval’s attorney — a claim investigators say was entirely false.
The DHS Letter That Sparked the Scandal
The allegations were outlined in a formal letter from ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons to Senator Duckworth’s office. The letter, made public on Wednesday, describes the incident in detail and raises serious concerns about York’s conduct and potential violations of federal law.
“At approximately 1:29 p.m., an individual identified as Edward York, who according to publicly available information is employed as a Constituent Outreach Coordinator for your Senate office, entered the field office lobby,” Lyons wrote. “In a discussion with a federal officer, Mr. York claimed to be Mr. Ayuzo’s attorney and demanded to speak with his ‘client.’”
The letter continues by explaining that York was granted access to meet Sandoval after presenting himself as legal counsel — a breach of protocol that ICE officials say they are now reviewing internally to prevent future incidents.
But the situation escalated further when York allegedly convinced Sandoval to sign an official G-28 form, a document used to authorize an attorney or accredited representative to act on behalf of an immigrant in legal proceedings. Signing that form effectively gives the designated representative access to sensitive case details and communications.
Who Is the Detainee?
The man at the center of the controversy, Jose Ismeal Ayuzo Sandoval, is no stranger to federal immigration authorities. According to ICE records cited in the DHS letter, Sandoval has been deported from the United States four times since 2008 and has a prior conviction for driving under the influence (DUI).
Officials say Sandoval reentered the country illegally several times after deportation, a felony under U.S. immigration law. He was taken into custody again this fall after being stopped during a traffic enforcement operation in southern Illinois.
The case was already straightforward from ICE’s perspective: Sandoval was a repeat immigration violator with a criminal record and an active deportation order. But after York’s visit, what should have been a routine enforcement matter has become a political scandal with potentially serious legal consequences.
The Role of the Senate Office
In response to the report, Senator Duckworth’s office confirmed that York is a member of her staff but said the senator had no prior knowledge of his actions.
“We were made aware of this situation only after ICE contacted our office,” a spokesperson said in a written statement. “We take these allegations seriously and are cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities. Senator Duckworth expects all staff to uphold the highest ethical and legal standards in their official duties.”
The statement stopped short of saying whether York had been suspended or terminated, though internal sources in Washington suggest that disciplinary action is “imminent.”
Several congressional aides told reporters that it’s standard for staff in Senate offices to assist constituents with immigration-related matters — for example, helping families locate detained relatives or check on case statuses — but never to act as legal representatives.
“This crosses a very bright line,” said one former Senate ethics advisor. “Constituent services are one thing, but impersonating a lawyer to intervene in a federal detention case is a completely different matter. That’s not just unethical — it could be criminal.”
Potential Legal Consequences
The Department of Homeland Security has reportedly referred the case to its Office of Inspector General (OIG) for review. Legal experts say that York could face multiple charges, including impersonating a licensed attorney, making false statements to federal officials, and interfering with immigration enforcement operations.
Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 912) makes it a felony to falsely assume or pretend to be an officer or employee of the United States or any department or agency. The maximum penalty includes up to three years in prison and fines.
While the law has primarily been used against individuals impersonating law enforcement agents, legal analysts say it could apply here since York allegedly misrepresented his authority to gain access to a federal detainee.
“Even if his intentions were humanitarian, his actions were reckless,” said Michael Gerber, a former Justice Department official. “He not only misled ICE officers but potentially compromised the integrity of a legal process. That’s a very serious breach of trust.”
A Broader Political Undercurrent
The case also touches a deeper nerve in the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement and the role of elected officials in advocating for undocumented individuals.
Republicans have long accused Democratic lawmakers of prioritizing non-citizens over American citizens, particularly in sanctuary states like Illinois and California. The Duckworth staffer’s alleged behavior, they argue, reinforces that perception.
“This is exactly the kind of disregard for the rule of law we’ve been warning about,” said Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) in a statement responding to the news. “If congressional staff are impersonating lawyers to free people who’ve been deported multiple times, we have a serious problem.”
Democrats, meanwhile, have urged caution, arguing that it’s premature to draw conclusions before the investigation is complete.
“This sounds like an isolated incident by an overzealous staffer,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), a member of the House Oversight Committee. “We should wait for the facts before turning this into a political weapon.”
Ethical Implications for Congress
The Senate Ethics Committee may also launch a review if York’s actions are confirmed. The committee has the authority to investigate misconduct by senators or their employees, and while criminal cases are handled by the Justice Department, ethics sanctions can include reprimands, suspension, or permanent bans from federal service.
Former congressional staffers say this type of incident — while rare — could have wide-reaching implications for how Senate offices interact with federal agencies.
“Constituent service is a vital part of public office, but it depends entirely on trust,” said Rebecca Hall, a former chief of staff to a Midwestern senator. “If DHS officials start questioning whether Senate staff are who they say they are, it undermines every legitimate inquiry.”
The Fallout So Far
As of Wednesday evening, Senator Duckworth’s office has not announced York’s employment status. ICE officials confirmed that Sandoval remains in custody and that his deportation proceedings are ongoing.
The DHS letter also noted that the agency has reviewed internal access procedures at the East St. Louis field office to ensure that individuals cannot gain entry or meet with detainees under false pretenses in the future.
Meanwhile, congressional Republicans are demanding a full accounting. Some lawmakers have called for a formal apology from Duckworth’s office and stricter safeguards to prevent congressional aides from meddling in law enforcement operations.
“This isn’t just about one staffer,” said Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.). “It’s about whether members of Congress are fostering a culture where bending the rules for political gain is considered acceptable.”
A Lesson in Boundaries
Regardless of the eventual outcome, the case of Edward York serves as a stark reminder of the ethical and legal boundaries that separate advocacy from interference.
In the halls of Washington, where political pressure often collides with human stories of hardship and deportation, staffers are frequently caught between compassion and compliance. But experts say the line must remain clear.
“Senators can advocate,” said Gerber. “They can write letters, they can make calls, they can even ask for policy changes. But what they can’t do — and must never do — is impersonate someone they’re not to influence the outcome of a federal case.”
As investigations continue, both DHS and the Senate Ethics Committee face growing pressure to act decisively. And for Senator Duckworth, whose record has largely been free of scandal, the actions of one staffer may now cast a long and uncomfortable shadow over her office.