A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Bureau County Sheriff's Department in Illinois on February 18, 2025. The request was made by us at the Illinois Valley Times, a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
The FOIA request seeks documents and records showing persons committed to the Bureau County Sheriff's Department facility that have had an Immigration Detainer issued by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency lodged against them since January 29, 2024.
Additionally, we requested any communications from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding civil enforcement that are reportable under the TRUST Act and/or the Illinois VOICES Act. This includes any Immigration Detainers received from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
As a media organization, we believe access to public records is essential for fulfilling our professional responsibilities, which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given our role in disseminating information, we have requested a fee waiver as a media professional.
We are members of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit corporation that assists news media companies, publications, and public advocacy groups investigate 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. For more information about our work, please visit https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
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