DHS Accuses Dem Staffer of Impersonating ICE Attorney

New evidence shows staffer repeatedly misrepresented himself to meet with detainees

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:12am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping, geometric shapes in shades of blue, teal, and violet, representing the alleged smuggling of cell phones into an ICE detention facility by a congressional staffer.A fractured, avant-garde painting captures the alleged security breach at an ICE detention facility, where a congressional staffer is accused of impersonating an attorney to smuggle in cell phones.El Paso Today

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released additional evidence it says confirms 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 sneak in smuggled cell phones.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about the integrity of congressional oversight and the security protocols at ICE detention facilities, as well as the ongoing tensions between the Democratic congresswoman and the Trump administration over immigration enforcement.

The details

According to DHS, Benito Torres, a senior caseworker on Escobar's staff, misrepresented himself as a lawyer for detainees at the Camp East Montana facility at Fort Bliss in El Paso on multiple occasions since September 2025. DHS says Torres lied about being an attorney in order to gain access to the facility and even passed a phone around to multiple detainees during a January 2026 visit, violating security protocols.

  • In March 2026, Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons informed 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 misrepresented himself as an attorney during another visit.

The players

Benito Torres

A senior caseworker on Rep. Veronica Escobar's staff who is accused of impersonating an ICE attorney to gain access to a detention facility.

Rep. Veronica Escobar

A Democratic congresswoman from Texas who has been critical of the Trump administration's immigration policies and the conditions at the Camp East Montana ICE facility.

Todd Lyons

The Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

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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

“I stand proudly by the members of my team who have demonstrated nothing but dedication and integrity to serving our nation and our community.”

— Rep. Veronica Escobar

What’s next

The DHS has said it will continue to investigate the allegations against Benito Torres, and it is unclear if any further legal action will be taken.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the Democratic congresswoman and the Trump administration over immigration enforcement, as well as the importance of maintaining security protocols at ICE detention facilities to prevent unauthorized access and potential smuggling of contraband.