A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office in Illinois on February 18, 2025. The request was made by SE Illinois News, a media organization committed to comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
The request specifically sought 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.
SE Illinois News also requested information about Immigration Detainers received from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that are reportable under the same state laws.
As members of the media, we at SE Illinois News 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 believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals given our role in disseminating information. It's worth noting that SE Illinois News is a member of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit corporation assisting news media companies in investigating state and federal governmental agencies using Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws.
Our goal is to pull back the curtain on government actions and help inform the American electorate about their workings. For more information about our coalition, please visit https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
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