Benito Torres logged his entry as a “lawyer” visiting “client[s],” but was later observed passing a cellphone to multiple detainees, according to ICE.
A staff member for Texas Rep. Veronica Escobar is accused of repeatedly misrepresenting himself as an attorney to gain access to ICE detention facilities, according to a letter sent by federal officials. The allegation centers on at least 11 visits where the staffer is said to have entered under false pretenses.
ICE Director Todd M. Lyons detailed the claims in a March 18 letter, stating that senior caseworker Benito Torres falsely presented himself as legal counsel for detainees. He claimed to be an attorney or an “accredited representative appearing before EOIR on immigration matters,” and said he had a signed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, per DHS.
The issue peaked during a January 30 visit to the Camp East Montana facility. Torres logged his entry as a “lawyer” visiting “client[s],” but was later observed passing a cellphone to multiple detainees, according to ICE. Facility administrators confronted Torres, who then admitted he was not an attorney and said he was visiting as a private citizen. Officials also said he claimed the visit had been coordinated through Escobar’s office and ICE headquarters, but no such authorization was found.
ICE policy prohibits personal phones during detainee visits and restricts interactions with multiple detainees in group settings. Lyons wrote that Torres violated those rules and “misrepresented himself as counsel for detainees in ICE custody.” He added that Torres also “falsely claimed to ICE personnel such use had been approved by the agency.”
A subsequent review of facility records found that Torres had made similar representations on at least 11 occasions between September 2025 and January 2026. Those entries included multiple instances where he described himself as an attorney or indicated he was visiting detainees for legal purposes. ICE personnel and contractors also reported that Torres had identified himself to them as a lawyer during prior visits.
“The available evidence demonstrates your staffer, a senior caseworker named Benito Torres, misrepresented himself as counsel for detainees in ICE custody, violated clear detention standards and security protocols prohibiting the use of cellphones inside ICE facilities, improperly met with multiple detainees, and falsely claimed to ICE personnel such use had been approved by the agency,” Lyons wrote.
ICE has revoked Torres’ access to all agency facilities. Lyons stated that the agency is authorized to impose sanctions under its detention standards, including the loss of visitation privileges.
The letter also raises questions about whether Torres acted independently or with direction from Escobar’s office. Lyons requested a written response addressing whether Torres was authorized to conduct the visits, whether his actions were known to office leadership, and whether the office would cooperate with any potential federal investigation.
ICE noted that procedures already exist for congressional oversight visits, and said those processes must still comply with facility security rules. The agency emphasized that all visitors, including congressional staff, are subject to the same conduct standards.
Escobar posted in a statement to X that she stands by Torres, writing: "Today, accusations were made against one of my caseworkers — a dedicated public servant, Army veteran, and experienced member of my team. I have every reason to believe these allegations are unfounded. 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. I stand proudly by the members of my team who have demonstrated nothing but dedication and integrity to serving our nation and our community."
Lyons also referenced a similar incident involving a staffer for Sen. Tammy Duckworth, who was dismissed in 2025 after allegedly misrepresenting himself as an attorney to access detainees.
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