West Central Reporter

FOIA Request to Greene County Sheriff's Office Regarding Inmates with ICE Detainers on February 18, 2025.

As part of our ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we at West Central Reporter have submitted a request under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) for records pertaining to persons committed to Greene County Sheriff's Office facilities who have had an Immigration Detainer issued by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency lodged against them since January 29, 2024.

In addition, we are seeking any requests from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding civil enforcement that are reportable under the TRUST Act (5 ILCS 805/1, et seq.) and/or the Illinois VOICES Act (5 ILCS 825/1, et seq.). We have also requested information about any Immigration Detainers received from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that fall under these same acts.

As a media organization, access to public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities, which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given our role in disseminating information, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional.

We would like to note that we are members of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit Missouri Corporation that assists news media companies, publications, and public advocacy groups investigate state and federal governmental agencies and leverages 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, please visit https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.