A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Mason County Sheriff's Office in Illinois on February 18, 2025. The request pertains to individuals committed to their facilities who have had an Immigration Detainer issued by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency lodged against them since January 29, 2024.
As members of Peoria Standard, a media organization dedicated to comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we are seeking access to these records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140. Our goal is to provide transparency and hold public institutions accountable.
The request also includes documents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding civil enforcement that are reportable under the TRUST Act, as codified at 5 ILCS 805/1, et seq., and/or the Illinois VOICES Act, as codified at 5 ILCS 825/1, et seq.
We have requested these records preferably in electronic format for ease of dissemination. As a media organization involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver.
It should be noted that Peoria Standard is a member of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit Missouri Corporation which assists news media companies, publications, and public advocacy groups investigate state and federal governmental agencies. We leverage Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws to pull back the curtain on government actions and help inform the American electorate.
For more information about our work and mission, please visit https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
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