A staff member for Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D) has been fired following allegations that he posed as a lawyer in an attempt to secure the release of an illegal alien from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in East St. Louis, Illinois.
The termination was made effective immediately on Monday after details emerged regarding the staffer’s actions involving federal authorities and immigration documentation.
The staffer, Edward York, reportedly entered the ICE facility on October 29, using what the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) alleges was a falsified DHS form.
During his visit, York met with Jose Ismeal Ayuzo Sandoval, a 40-year-old illegal alien who DHS records show has been deported from the United States four times and has a prior conviction for driving under the influence.
While inside the facility, York obtained Sandoval’s signature on a G-28 form, which is legally required for an individual to be represented by counsel in immigration proceedings, The Gateway Pundit reports.
According to a DHS letter, York submitted a version of the G-28 form prior to obtaining Sandoval’s signature, raising questions about the validity of the document.
Four days after the initial visit, the Suarez Law Office in Collinsville, Illinois, filed another G-28 form electronically on behalf of Sandoval. This form also did not contain the required signature, despite York having previously secured a signed version.
DHS communications allege York indicated an affiliation with the Suarez Law Office to substantiate his claim as legal counsel. Authorities are investigating whether York may have collaborated with the law office in an attempt to conceal his misrepresentation to federal officers.
In a letter to ICE leadership responding to questions about the incident, Duckworth emphasized that neither she nor her senior leadership team had knowledge of York’s actions or authorized them.
“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,” she wrote in a letter obtained by Fox News, per RedState.
DHS continues its investigation into the matter.
Besides being terminated, York faces possible legal consequences, including potential charges for making false statements to federal agents and misrepresentation.
DHS has formally requested additional information from Duckworth’s office regarding York’s interactions with immigration officials and any documentation related to the case.
Sandoval remains identified by authorities as an illegal alien with multiple deportations. Officials have not indicated any wrongdoing on the part of the Suarez Law Office at this time.
Senator Duckworth, Illinois’ senior Democratic senator, was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016 following her service as a U.S. Representative for the state’s 8th congressional district from 2013 to 2017.
A veteran of the Iraq War, Duckworth is widely recognized for her advocacy on behalf of veterans and currently serves on several influential Senate committees, including Armed Services, Commerce, Science and Transportation, Veterans’ Affairs and Foreign Relations.
Her office stated it is fully cooperating with DHS requests to provide information about the incident and any interactions involving York.
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