A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Piatt County Sheriff's Office in Illinois on January 29, 2025. The request, made by us at Chambana Sun, sought records pertaining to individuals committed to county jails who have had an Immigration Detainer issued against them by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency since January 29, 2024.
As a media organization dedicated to comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we believe access to public records is essential for our work. This includes holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. We requested these documents preferably in electronic format for ease of analysis and dissemination.
The request underlines our commitment as a news organization to provide the public with information that can shed light on how immigration enforcement intersects with local law enforcement. It also underscores our belief in the importance of transparency in government operations.
We are awaiting a response from the Piatt County Sheriff's Office regarding this request. As per the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, we have asked for a fee waiver given our role as a media organization disseminating information to the public.
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