Summary
A staff member in Senator Tammy Duckworth's office was fired for allegedly tricking the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release an undocumented immigrant. The employee falsely claimed to be the immigrant's lawyer and used a falsified form to secure the release. Senator Duckworth stated that neither she nor her team authorized these actions.
Key Facts
- The staff member, Edward York, worked as a Constituent Outreach Coordinator in Senator Duckworth's office.
- York allegedly claimed he was the lawyer of Jose Ismael Ayuzo Sandoval, an undocumented immigrant, to DHS.
- Sandoval is a Mexican national with a criminal history and has been deported from the U.S. four times before.
- York used a forged G-28 form, which is meant for legal representation, to arrange for Sandoval's release.
- York entered an ICE facility in St. Louis, Illinois, on October 29 and made these claims.
- Duckworth's office terminated York's employment effective November 17.
- Senator Duckworth confirmed she had no prior knowledge of York’s actions and did not authorize them.
