A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office in Illinois on February 18, 2025. The request, made by South Central Reporter, a media organization committed to comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, seeks information about inmates with Immigration Detainers.
The specific documents requested include 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 reportable under the TRUST Act and/or the Illinois VOICES Act were also sought. Similarly, any Immigration Detainers received from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that are reportable under these acts were requested.
As members of South Central Reporter and The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit Missouri Corporation that assists news media companies and public advocacy groups in investigating state and federal governmental agencies—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.
For more information about our work and mission, please visit https://stopsecrecy.org/about/. We will continue leveraging Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws to pull back the curtain on government actions and help inform the American electorate.
