A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office on January 29, 2025. The request, issued by us at East Central Reporter, seeks records related to persons committed to county jails who have had an Immigration Detainer issued against them by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency since January 29, 2024.
As a media organization dedicated to comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we are committed to holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Access to these records is crucial for us in fulfilling our professional responsibilities.
The request specifically asked for documents or records showing individuals who have been committed to Cumberland County jails and have subsequently had an Immigration Detainer lodged against them by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency within the past year.
We believe that as members of the media involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140.
The FOIA request underscores our commitment at East Central Reporter to bring light to important issues affecting our community through thorough investigative journalism. We await a response from the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office and will keep our readers updated on any developments.
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