Chicago City Wire

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office on February 18, 2025. The request was made by us at Chicago City Wire, a media organization dedicated to delivering comprehensive and accurate news coverage of local government affairs.

The records requested under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, primarily concern inmates committed to Cook County Sheriff’s Office facilities who have had an Immigration Detainer issued against them by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency since January 29, 2024.

In addition to this, we have also requested information about any communications from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding civil enforcement. These would be 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.

Furthermore, we are seeking access to any Immigration Detainers received from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that are reportable under these same acts.

As a media organization committed to public service journalism, we rely heavily on access to public records in order to fulfill our professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency for our readership.

We are members of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy - a non-profit corporation assisting news media companies and public advocacy groups in investigating state and federal governmental agencies using Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. We aim to shed light on government actions and help inform the American electorate.