FOIA Request to Wayne County Sheriff Regarding Inmates with ICE Detainers on February 18, 2025.
SE Illinois News, a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, has submitted a request under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. The request was made for documents and records showing persons committed to the Wayne County Sheriff facility that have had an Immigration Detainer issued by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency lodged against them since January 29, 2024.
In addition to this, requests from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding civil enforcement were also sought. These are reportable under the TRUST Act, as codified at 5 ILCS 805/1, et seq., and/or the Illinois VOICES Act, as codified at 5 ILCS 825/1, et seq.
Furthermore, Immigration Detainers received from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security were requested. These are also reportable under the Illinois TRUST Act and/or the Illinois VOICES Act.
As members of SE Illinois News, we believe 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. Given our role in disseminating information, we consider ourselves eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals.
It's worth noting that SE Illinois News is a member of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy - a non-profit Missouri Corporation which assists news media companies in investigating state and federal governmental agencies leveraging Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws.
Alerts Sign-up