FOIA Request to Woodford County Sheriff’s Office Regarding Inmates with ICE Detainers on February 18, 2025.
As a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we at Peoria Standard have requested specific records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. The request was sent to the Woodford County Sheriff’s Office on February 18, 2025.
The records sought include documents and/or records showing persons committed to the facility that have had an Immigration Detainer issued by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency lodged against them since January 29, 2024. We also asked for requests from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding civil enforcement, which are reportable under the TRUST Act and/or the Illinois VOICES Act.
Furthermore, we requested access to Immigration Detainers received from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which are also reportable under these acts. As a media organization involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, access to these public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities. This includes holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
We are members of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit corporation assisting news media companies, publications, and public advocacy groups in investigating state and federal governmental agencies. Our work leverages Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws to shed light on government actions and help inform the American electorate.
