DHS Alleges Dem Staffer Impersonated ICE Attorney to Access Detainees

New evidence shows staffer misrepresented himself to smuggle in cell phones, raising security concerns

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:21pm

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A dynamic, overlapping geometric painting depicting a hand reaching through a barred window, symbolizing the tension between government oversight and immigration enforcement policies.A fractured, avant-garde painting captures the complex dynamics between congressional oversight and immigration enforcement at detention facilities.El Paso Today

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released additional evidence alleging that a staffer for Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, lied about being an attorney for detainees at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in an effort to meet with them and smuggle in cell phones, a serious security breach.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about the integrity of congressional oversight and the potential for staffers to undermine ICE's mission by impersonating legal professionals and violating security protocols at detention facilities.

The details

According to DHS, Benito Torres, a senior caseworker on Escobar's staff, misrepresented himself as a lawyer visiting "clients" on multiple occasions between September 2025 and January 2026 in order to gain access to detainees at the Camp East Montana facility at Fort Bliss in El Paso. DHS says Torres passed a smuggled cell phone around to multiple detainees during one of these visits, a dangerous violation of security protocols.

  • In March 2026, Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons informed Rep. Escobar about Torres' alleged actions.
  • On January 23, 2026, Torres falsely claimed to be an attorney while requesting to see 22 detainees.
  • On January 30, 2026, Torres allegedly lied about being an attorney to gain access to the ICE detention facility.

The players

Benito Torres

A senior caseworker on Rep. Veronica Escobar's staff who is accused of impersonating an attorney to access ICE detainees and smuggle in cell phones.

Rep. Veronica Escobar

A Democratic Congresswoman from Texas whose staffer, Benito Torres, is accused of the impersonation and smuggling allegations.

Todd Lyons

The Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) who informed Rep. Escobar about the allegations against her staffer.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that has released new evidence alleging the impersonation and smuggling activities by Rep. Escobar's staffer.

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What they’re saying

“It is worth noting that ICE has refused to respond to multiple letters I've sent about Camp East Montana regarding deaths, including a homicide; outbreaks of diseases including COVID-19, measles, and tuberculosis; waste, fraud, and abuse; a lack of legal representation or medical care; and so much more. This administration has a history of engaging in intimidation tactics against Members of Congress as well as continuously attempting to obstruct our ability to provide oversight.”

— Rep. Veronica Escobar

What’s next

Torres has been banned from ICE facilities, and it remains to be seen if he will face any further legal consequences for the alleged impersonation and smuggling activities.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the federal government and members of Congress over immigration enforcement and detention policies, as well as the need for robust oversight and security protocols at ICE facilities to prevent breaches by those seeking to undermine the agency's mission.