A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Stephenson County Sheriff's office in Illinois on February 18, 2025. The request was made by NW Illinois News, a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
The request specifically sought documents and records showing persons committed to the facility that 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 were also asked for. These are reportable under the TRUST Act, as codified at 5 ILCS 805/1, et seq., and/or the Illinois VOICES Act, as codified at 5 ILCS 825/1, et seq.
As part of our commitment to holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public, we believe access to these public records is essential. 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. This is a non-profit Missouri Corporation which assists news media companies, publications, and public advocacy groups investigate state and federal governmental agencies. It leverages Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws to pull back the curtain on government actions and help inform the American electorate.
For more information about The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy's work in promoting transparency in government actions visit https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
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