Calls for Accountability in Local Immigration Enforcement
Local police departments and sheriff’s offices are playing an increasingly significant role in federal immigration enforcement, yet much of that activity remains difficult to track, according to experts who spoke at a recent national briefing hosted by American Community Media.
“Transparency is the oxygen of accountability,” said David Loy, Legal Director of the First Amendment Coalition, emphasizing the public’s right to understand how law enforcement agencies operate. “The government works for the people. The people don’t work for the government.”
The virtual briefing, titled Tracking ICE–Police Collaboration: Tools for Journalists, Lawsuits and What Authorities Don’t Want You to See, brought together legal experts, journalists, and data specialists to equip reporters with tools to investigate collaboration between Immigration and Customs Enforcement and local authorities.
Speakers highlighted a growing concern: as immigration enforcement becomes more decentralized, local reporting is often the only way to uncover what is happening on the ground.
Legal Battles Reveal Hidden Activity
Loy pointed to a recent case in Ventura County, California, where his organization successfully challenged the sheriff’s office for withholding records related to a large-scale immigration raid at Glasshouse Farms.
“We learned that Ventura County deputy sheriffs had been present,” Loy explained. “That raised obvious concerns because California law strictly limits cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.”
The county initially denied access to body camera footage and communications, citing an exemption for investigatory records. However, Loy argued that deputies were not conducting a criminal investigation but were present for crowd control. The case was settled quickly, resulting in the release of approximately 10 hours of video footage.
“We’re here to fight for transparency and let the people decide for themselves,” Loy said.
He noted that resistance from law enforcement agencies is common. “The default response is simply to deny and claim the investigatory records exemption,” he said, adding that journalists must challenge these blanket refusals.
A Roadmap for Investigative Reporting
Thadeus Greenson, Press Education Specialist at the First Amendment Coalition, outlined practical strategies for reporters seeking to uncover ICE–police collaboration.
“One of the things we wanted to do is give reporters detailed instructions and information about specific reporting topics,” Greenson said, referring to a newly developed field guide focused on immigration enforcement.
He encouraged journalists to rely on local records rather than federal Freedom of Information Act requests, which are often slow. “FOIA requests… are likely to grind to a halt, especially when it comes to DHS records,” he noted.
Greenson identified four key categories of records that can reveal collaboration: oversight reports, contracts, communications, and law enforcement data. These include inspection reports of detention facilities, agreements between federal and local agencies, email correspondence, and even 911 call logs.
“Even basic records like 911 call logs… have led to some really important reporting,” he said.
He cited investigations showing patterns of overcrowding, delayed medical care, and increased emergency incidents in detention facilities.
Barriers to Access and the Need for Persistence
Despite these tools, accessing records remains a challenge. Journalists frequently face delays or outright denials.
“There isn’t a mechanism to enforce prompt disclosure other than taking an agency to court,” Greenson said. “The best strategy is to be polite, but persistent to the point of being obnoxious.”
Loy echoed that sentiment. “The squeaky wheel gets the grease,” he said, advising reporters to continually follow up and remind agencies of legal deadlines.
Community-based rapid response groups were also highlighted as valuable sources. These volunteer networks often document ICE activity in real time and help identify individuals detained during enforcement operations.
“They can be a tremendous resource,” Greenson said, while cautioning that building trust with such groups requires time and sensitivity.
FOIA Tools and Data Transparency Efforts
Elizabeth Clemons, Director of Training and Enablement at MuckRock, provided a practical overview of how journalists can file effective public records requests.
“It’s really important to find out as much information as possible before you submit the request,” Clemons said. “Specificity is key.”
She warned against broad or vague requests, noting that agencies are more likely to respond quickly to well-defined inquiries with clear date ranges and descriptions.
Clemons also acknowledged that response times have slowed in recent years. “There are fewer people responding to FOIA requests,” she said, pointing to staffing reductions that have increased delays.
Still, she emphasized that persistence pays off. “Assume good faith, be patient, follow up, and remind them of the deadline,” she advised.
Toward Greater Transparency
As policymakers consider new legislation to increase oversight of detention facilities, experts say journalists’ role remains critical.
“Accountability depends on local reporting,” the briefing organizers noted.
For communities affected by immigration enforcement, access to information is not just a matter of transparency but of justice.
“The public has an especially compelling interest in access to records about how law enforcement officers do their jobs,” Loy said.
As enforcement practices evolve, the message from experts is clear: persistent, informed journalism remains one of the most powerful tools for uncovering the truth.