A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the McLean County Sheriff's office on February 18, 2025. The request, made by Rockford Sun, a media organization dedicated to comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, sought information regarding inmates who 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, the request also sought documents related to requests from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding civil enforcement reportable under the TRUST Act and/or the Illinois VOICES Act. The same applied for Immigration Detainers received from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
As members of the media committed to transparency and holding public institutions accountable, we believe access to these public records is essential in fulfilling our professional responsibilities. Given our role in disseminating information, we have requested a fee waiver as media professionals.
It should be noted that Rockford Sun is a member of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit Missouri Corporation that assists news media companies, publications, and public advocacy groups investigate state and federal governmental agencies. This coalition leverages Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws to provide transparency on government actions and inform the American electorate.
We await a response from the McLean County Sheriff's office regarding our request.
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