FOIA Request to Cass County Sheriff Regarding Inmates with ICE Detainers on February 18, 2025.
As members of the West Central Reporter, a media organization dedicated to comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we have submitted a request under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act for records related to inmates in Cass County who have had Immigration Detainers issued against them by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency since January 29, 2024.
In addition to this, we are seeking 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. We are also requesting access to Immigration Detainers received from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that fall under these same acts.
Our role as journalists is crucial in gathering and reporting news to the public. Access to public records allows us to fulfill our professional responsibilities which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. As such, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals.
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. This organization 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 and mission, please visit https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
Alerts Sign-up