A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Scott County Sheriffs Office in Illinois on February 18, 2025. The request, issued by the West Central Reporter, a media organization dedicated to comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, sought information about inmates with Immigration Detainers.
Specifically, the FOIA request asked for documents and records showing persons committed to the facility 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, the request sought 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. The same was requested for Immigration Detainers received from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
As members of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit Missouri Corporation assisting news media companies and public advocacy groups in investigating state and federal governmental agencies, we leverage Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws to provide transparency about government actions and inform the American electorate.
We believe that access to public records is essential for fulfilling our professional responsibilities which include holding public institutions accountable. Given our role in disseminating information, we requested a fee waiver as media professionals.
For more information about our work or this specific request, please visit https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
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