A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Dewitt County Sheriff's Office in Illinois on February 18, 2025. The request, issued by Prairie State Wire, a media organization committed to comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, seeks records related to inmates who have had an Immigration Detainer lodged against them by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency since January 29, 2024.
The FOIA request also calls for documents concerning 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. Furthermore, it includes a demand for any Immigration Detainers received from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security which are also reportable under these same acts.
As members of Prairie State Wire, we are involved in gathering and reporting news to the public. 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. 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 assisting news media companies, publications, and public advocacy groups in investigating state and federal governmental agencies. We leverage Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws to shed light on government actions and help inform the American electorate.
We look forward to cooperating with Dewitt County Sheriff's Office in this matter.
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