A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Whiteside County Sheriff's Office in Illinois on February 18, 2025. The request was made by NW Illinois News, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
We at NW Illinois News are seeking documents and records that show persons committed to the Whiteside County facility 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, we are requesting any correspondence from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding civil enforcement that is reportable under the TRUST Act and/or the Illinois VOICES Act. We are also interested in any Immigration Detainers received from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that fall under these same acts.
As a media organization, we believe in holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Access to public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities. Given our role in disseminating information, we have requested a fee waiver as a media professional.
It should be noted that NW Illinois News is a member of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit corporation which assists news media companies, publications, and public advocacy groups investigate state and federal governmental agencies using Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. For more information about this coalition, please visit https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
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