A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Massac County Sheriff Office in Illinois on February 18, 2025. The request was made by Southern Illinois News, a media organization dedicated to comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
The request specifically 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. Additionally, requests from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding civil enforcement were also requested. These are reportable under the TRUST Act and/or the Illinois VOICES Act.
As members of Southern Illinois News, 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 are also members of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit corporation that assists news media companies, publications, and public advocacy groups investigate state and federal governmental agencies. We leverage Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws to pull back the curtain on government actions and help inform the American electorate.
We believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals due to our role in disseminating information. For more information about our coalition's work, please visit https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
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