EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar of El Paso is pushing back against allegations from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement involving a member of her staff.

According to a report by Fox News, Benito Torres, a senior caseworker on Escobar’s staff, allegedly lied at least 11 times about being an attorney for detainees at Camp East Montana in Fort Bliss and brought cellphones into the facility.

The acting ICE director, Todd Lyons, said he informed Escobar about the staffer in a letter dated Thursday.

Escobar, however, denied the claims.

“I have every reason to believe these allegations are unfounded,” Escobar said. “I stand proudly by the members of my team who have demonstrated nothing but dedication and integrity to serving our nation and our community.”

Below is her full statement: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.

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In his letter to Escobar, Lyons wrote, “The available evidence demonstrates your staffer… 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.”

Fox News’ report features an image of a sign-in log that shows the staffer allegedly claiming to be a “lawyer” visiting a “client.”

The letter also states that during that visit, the staffer admitted he was not an attorney after he was confronted by a facility staff member after they became aware of someone passing a phone to multiple detainees.

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