EL PASO, Texas — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has accused a staff member of Rep. Veronica Escobar of falsely posing as an attorney to gain access to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility.
According to DHS, Benito Torres — a senior caseworker in Escobar’s office — misrepresented himself as legal counsel at least 11 times to enter the Camp East Montana detention facility. The agency said Torres signed official paperwork claiming he was an attorney representing detainees.
DHS alleged that Torres also attempted to pass a cellphone to detainees, violating facility rules. Officials said he later admitted he was not an attorney and had been visiting as a private citizen.
In a letter obtained by media outlets, acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said the staffer “misrepresented himself as counsel for detainees,” violated detention standards, and falsely claimed authorization to use electronic devices inside the facility. Images released by DHS reportedly show sign-in logs and forms bearing Torres’ name identifying himself as a “lawyer.”
Rep. Escobar pushed back on the allegations, calling them “unfounded” and defending Torres as a “dedicated public servant” and Army veteran. She also criticized ICE for failing to respond to her prior concerns about conditions at the facility, including reported deaths, disease outbreaks, and lack of adequate medical care.
Escobar further alleged that the Trump administration has a history of limiting congressional oversight, saying she stands by her staff.
The Camp East Montana facility has faced scrutiny in recent months. In November 2025, Escobar raised concerns about “dangerous and inhumane” conditions, citing reports of poor food quality and unsafe drinking water. More recently, the facility was closed to in-person visits following a measles outbreak and has since been transferred to a new contractor, which ICE says will improve oversight and medical services.