A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Rock Island County Sheriff's office in Illinois on February 18, 2025. The request, made by a representative from Peoria Standard, a media organization committed to comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, sought specific records pertaining to inmates with Immigration Detainers.
The detailed request included 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. Additionally, it asked for any requests from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding civil enforcement that are reportable under the TRUST Act and/or the Illinois VOICES Act.
As members of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, we believe in leveraging Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws to provide transparency and hold public institutions accountable. We requested these records in electronic format and also asked for a fee waiver as media professionals engaged in gathering and reporting news to the public.
Our work involves investigating state and federal governmental agencies, helping inform the American electorate about government actions. We will continue our efforts to ensure transparency in public institutions through similar requests in future.
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