A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office in Illinois on February 18, 2025. The request, filed by a news reporter from East Central Reporter, seeks information regarding inmates with Immigration Detainers issued by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency.
The specific documents requested include records showing persons committed to the facility that have had an Immigration Detainer lodged against them since January 29, 2024. Additionally, requests from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding civil enforcement are sought, which are reportable under the TRUST Act and/or the Illinois VOICES Act.
As members of East Central Reporter, we believe access to public records is essential for fulfilling our professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given our role in disseminating information, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals.
We are also members of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that assists news media companies and public advocacy groups in investigating state and federal governmental agencies. We leverage Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws to reveal government actions and help inform the American electorate.
We look forward to a prompt response from the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office in relation to this FOIA request.
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