FOIA Request to Chatham County Sheriff’s Office regarding undocumented person’s arrest records on August 18, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted by the Savannah Standard to the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office on August 18, 2025. The request seeks access to specific inmate records under the Georgia Open Records Act § 50.18.70 et seq., focusing on individuals with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers.
The requested information includes a copy of all inmate records for those on ICE detainers from February 2, 2025, through July 2, 2025. Additionally, the request asks for a list of detainees turned over to ICE during this period and details of the charges issued against each individual. The requester has also asked for advanced notice of any potential charges associated with accessing these records.
As part of their role in gathering and reporting news to the public, the Savannah Standard emphasizes that access to such public records is crucial for maintaining transparency and holding public institutions accountable. They have also requested a fee waiver based on their status as a media organization.
The requestor is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through FOIA and Sunshine Laws. More information about this organization can be found at https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
Our team will continue to keep you updated as we gather and report news related to this request and other matters of public interest. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this matter.
