A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Moultrie County Sheriff's Office in Illinois on February 18, 2025. The request, made by the Macon Reporter, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, sought specific information about inmates within their facilities.
The request specifically asked for documents and 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.
In addition, the request sought any communications from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding civil enforcement that are reportable under two specific Illinois laws: the TRUST Act and the VOICES Act. Both acts deal with immigration issues and law enforcement's role in enforcing federal immigration laws.
The Macon Reporter also requested 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.
We hope that this request will help shed light on how immigration laws are being enforced at a local level in Illinois and contribute to informed public discourse on this important issue.
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