FOIA Request to Hardin County Sheriff's Department Regarding Inmates with ICE Detainers on February 18, 2025.
In a continued effort to ensure transparency and accountability in public institutions, we at Southern Illinois News have submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Hardin County Sheriff's Department. The request was made on February 18, 2025.
The information sought pertains to individuals 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. We are also seeking 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.
Additionally, we have requested records of Immigration Detainers received from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security which are also reportable under these same acts.
As members of Southern Illinois News, we believe access to public records is crucial for our work in gathering and reporting news to the public. This includes holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency for our readership. As a media organization, we believe we qualify for a fee waiver for this request.
It should be noted that Southern Illinois News is part of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit corporation that assists 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 receiving a response from the Hardin County Sheriff's Department soon so that we can continue our mission of providing comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs.
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