FOIA Request to Randolph County Sheriff’s Office Regarding Inmates with ICE Detainers on February 18, 2025.
As a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we at SW Illinois News have sent a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office. The request was made on February 18, 2025, seeking 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.
In addition to this, we are also requesting any communication from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding civil enforcement that falls under the TRUST Act and/or the Illinois VOICES Act. We are also seeking information about any Immigration Detainers received from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that are reportable under these same acts.
As members of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit corporation assisting news media companies in investigating state and federal governmental agencies, we believe access to public records is essential for our professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
Given our role in disseminating information, we have requested a fee waiver as media professionals. Our commitment remains steadfast in leveraging Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws to pull back the curtain on government actions and help inform the American electorate.
