The staffer, identified as Edward York, is listed publicly as a Constituent Outreach Coordinator in Duckworth’s office, ICE said. The letter alleges that York entered the facility and falsely represented himself as the attorney for detainee Jose Isemal Ayuzo Sandoval.
DHS told Newsweek that Ayuzo Sandoval is a Mexican national with a criminal record, including four prior deportations from the United States and a conviction for driving under the influence. He was issued a final order of removal in 2003. ICE arrested Ayuzo Sandoval in Staunton, Illinois, on October 29, 2025, DHS said.
“He was transferred to ICE St. Louis for processing where a Duckworth staffer allegedly tried to remove him from ICE custody by claiming to be his attorney,” Tricia McLaughlin, a DHS spokesperson, told Newsweek.
https://www.newsweek.com/democrat-staffer-allegedly-duped-dhs-release-illegal-immigrant-11041728