FOIA Request to Stephenson County Sheriff Regarding Immigration Detainer Records on January 29, 2025. The request was made by NW Illinois News, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
In the request, we sought documents and/or records showing persons committed to county jails that have had an Immigration Detainer issued by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency lodged against them since January 29, 2024. The request was made under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, with a preference for electronic format delivery.
As a media organization, we are involved in gathering and reporting news to the public. Access to public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities, which 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 await response from the Stephenson County Sheriff's office regarding this matter.
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