A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Peoria County Sheriff's Office on February 18, 2025. The request, made by the media organization Peoria Standard, sought information about inmates with Immigration Detainers issued by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency.
The specific documents requested were records showing persons committed to the facility that have had an Immigration Detainer lodged against them since January 29, 2024. The request also sought information about 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.
As a member of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit Missouri Corporation that assists news media companies in investigating state and federal governmental agencies, we believe access to public records is essential for fulfilling our professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
We hope this request will shed light on how immigration laws are being enforced at a local level and inform the American electorate about government actions in this area.
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