A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Menard County Sheriff's Office in Illinois on February 18, 2025. The request pertains to specific information about inmates who have had Immigration Detainers issued against them by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency since January 29, 2024.
The Sangamon Sun, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, filed the request. As part of our mission at Sangamon Sun, we are committed to holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
In addition to information about inmates with ICE detainers, we also requested documents related to requests from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding civil enforcement. These are reportable under the TRUST Act and/or the Illinois VOICES Act.
Furthermore, we asked for records of Immigration Detainers received from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that are reportable under these same acts.
As members of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit corporation that assists news media companies in investigating state and federal governmental agencies, we believe in leveraging Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws to reveal government actions and inform the American electorate.
We hope that this request will shed light on important issues related to immigration enforcement within our local facilities. We will continue our efforts to provide accurate and comprehensive news coverage for our readership.
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