Overview
- ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons sent Sen. Tammy Duckworth a formal letter on Nov. 12 requesting explanations and documentation by Nov. 17.
- According to the letter, Edward York entered the St. Louis field office on Oct. 29, claimed to be the attorney for detainee Jose Ismeal Ayuzo Sandoval, and attempted to secure his release.
- ICE says York obtained a signed G-28 at the facility, then a Collinsville law firm submitted a G-28 without the detainee’s signature four days later, prompting questions about possible coordination.
- The agency says it cannot verify York is a licensed attorney and alleges he falsified a DHS form to gain access to the detainee.
- ICE cites a Facebook post by the Montgomery County Illinois Democrats describing an intended misrepresentation, and Duckworth’s office has not responded publicly.