A staffer for Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., has been terminated after allegedly impersonating an attorney to secure the release of a detained undocumented immigrant, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials.

In a letter dated November 12, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons informed Duckworth that her Constituent Outreach Coordinator, Edward York, entered an ICE facility in St. Louis, Illinois, on October 29 and falsely identified himself as the legal representative of Jose Ismeal Ayuzo Sandoval.

“At approximately 1:29 p.m., an individual identified as Edward York… claimed to be Mr. Ayuzo’s attorney,” Lyons wrote. “This staff member allegedly did so to gain access to the detainee and seek his release from custody, and he accomplished it by falsifying an official Department of Homeland Security (DHS) form.”

According to ICE records, Sandoval, 40, has a DUI conviction and had previously been deported to Mexico four times, making his case particularly sensitive amid ongoing national debates about border security and immigration enforcement.

Duckworth responded to the allegations on Monday, confirming York’s employment had been terminated effective November 17. “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,” the senator wrote.

The incident occurs against a backdrop of intensifying political tensions surrounding immigration policy in the United States. The incoming Trump administration has pledged to enact stricter enforcement measures and large-scale deportation operations, while immigrant advocacy groups have expressed concerns about due process and humanitarian considerations.

Immigration enforcement actions have been a particularly divisive issue in Illinois, where Chicago maintains sanctuary city policies that limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. Meanwhile, the state has received thousands of migrants bused from border states in recent years, straining local resources and intensifying political debates.

The case also highlights the complex role congressional offices play in constituent services related to immigration matters. Senate and House staff regularly assist constituents with immigration proceedings and detention issues, though such assistance typically involves formal inquiries rather than direct intervention in detention facilities.

Lyons had given Duckworth until Monday to address whether York knowingly misrepresented himself on government documents. In his letter, the ICE director urged the senator to “advocate on behalf of your constituents who have been victimized by illegal alien crime and work with DHS to remove these criminals from the United States.”

The Department of Homeland Security has not indicated whether it will pursue criminal charges against York for allegedly falsifying federal documents, which could potentially carry significant penalties under federal law.

The incident comes as ICE has intensified enforcement operations nationwide, with the agency reporting increased arrests and deportations of individuals with criminal histories or who have repeatedly violated immigration laws.

For Duckworth, who won reelection to a second term in 2022, the incident creates an unwelcome distraction as Congress prepares to address government funding and other pressing issues during its lame-duck session. The senator, a combat veteran who lost both legs during service in Iraq, has typically focused her legislative efforts on military and veterans’ issues rather than immigration policy debates.

Neither York nor representatives for Sandoval have publicly commented on the matter as of press time.