A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Johnson County Sheriff's Office in Illinois on February 18, 2025. The request, issued by Southern Illinois News, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, seeks access to specific records concerning inmates with Immigration Detainers.
The requested documents include records showing persons committed to the facility that have had an Immigration Detainer issued by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency lodged against them since January 29, 2024. Additionally, the request includes inquiries about any requests from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding civil enforcement reportable under the TRUST Act and/or the Illinois VOICES Act.
Furthermore, Southern Illinois News has asked for any Immigration Detainers received from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that are reportable under these same acts.
As members of Southern Illinois News, we believe that access to public records is essential for fulfilling our professional responsibilities which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given our role in disseminating information, we consider ourselves eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals.
We are also part of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit 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 shed light on government actions and help inform the American electorate. For more information about our coalition, please visit https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
We await a response from the Johnson County Sheriff's Office regarding this FOIA request.
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