FOIA Request to Alexander County Sheriff's Office Regarding Inmate Immigration Detainers on February 18, 2025.
As members of Southern Illinois News and The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, we have sent a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Alexander County Sheriff's Office in Illinois. The request, dated February 18, 2025, seeks information about inmates who have had an Immigration Detainer issued by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency lodged against them since January 29, 2024.
The FOIA request also asks for documents related to 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. We also seek records of Immigration Detainers received from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under these same acts.
As media professionals committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, access to public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
We believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals given our role in disseminating information. As part of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit corporation that assists news media companies and public advocacy groups investigate state and federal governmental agencies, we leverage Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws to ensure government actions are transparent and inform the American electorate.
For more information about our organization and mission, please visit https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
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