On February 18, 2025, we at Chambana Sun, a media organization dedicated to comprehensive and accurate news coverage of local governmental affairs, sent a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Saline County Sheriff's Office. The request specifically sought documents and records pertaining to persons committed to their facility who have had an Immigration Detainer issued by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency lodged against them since January 29, 2024.
The FOIA request also included queries for any requests from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding civil enforcement reportable under the TRUST Act and/or the Illinois VOICES Act. Similarly, any Immigration Detainers received from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that are reportable under these acts were also requested.
As a media organization, our role involves gathering and reporting news to the public. Access to public records is crucial for us in fulfilling our professional responsibilities, which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
We believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals due to our role in disseminating information. It should be noted that we are members of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit Missouri Corporation that assists news media companies, publications, and public advocacy groups investigate state and federal governmental agencies using Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws.
This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to pull back the curtain on government actions and help inform the American electorate about important issues related to immigration policy and law enforcement practices.
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