A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office on February 18, 2025. The request, issued by Rock Island Today, a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, sought specific information regarding inmates with Immigration Detainers.
The FOIA request specifically asked for 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, requests from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding civil enforcement were also requested. 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.
The request also sought access to Immigration Detainers received from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. These are also reportable under the Illinois TRUST Act and/or the Illinois VOICES Act.
As members of Rock Island Today and The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit Missouri Corporation assisting news media companies—we believe in leveraging Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws to provide transparency in government actions and inform the American electorate. Access to public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities, which include holding public institutions accountable.
For more information about our work in advocating for transparency in government operations, please visit https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
