A conservative activist group is suing Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss in his capacity as mayor over what the group alleges is a violation of the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) related to Biss’ participation in protests against immigration agents.
The Washington D.C.-based Judicial Watch, which is also suing the city over its reparations program, said it submitted FOIA requests in late September for public records concerning Biss’ “activities related to ICE operations and protest.”
The records requested by Judicial Watch include documents or emails “created by Mayor Daniel Biss regarding efforts to disrupt, monitor, or oppose ICE operations,” records of his participation in protests in Broadview, and his public calendar. The group also sought media related to the protests, including photos or recordings held by the City of Evanston or Biss on “city-issued devices.”
The lawsuit also includes requests for records related to Biss’ “decision to deactivate Evanston’s license plate cameras.” However, this decision was not made by Biss himself but by Evanston Police Chief Schenita Stewart and eventually the City Council.
Judicial Watch alleges that the city denied its FOIA request for these documents, stating the request was “unduly burdensome” and could not be complied with within the required time frame. Under Illinois FOIA law, requests are managed not by the mayor but by the city clerk, Stephanie Mendoza.
“[T]he mayor of Evanston’s apparent interference with lawful immigration operations undermines the rule of law and places law enforcement and other innocent lives at risk,” said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton.
It is important to note that Biss is not a designated FOIA Officer and does not have oversight over FOIA requests.
The case was filed late last week in the chancery division of Cook County Circuit Court. When reached for comment on Thursday, the city declined, citing its general policy against commenting on pending litigation.
On Thursday afternoon, Mayor Biss addressed the Judicial Watch lawsuit in a fundraising email for his congressional campaign. He said he was being sued “for defending Evanston against ICE’s attacks on our community,” adding, “nothing will stop me from fighting for Evanston.”
In a related matter, on Wednesday, Judicial Watch sued Illinois Governor JB Pritzker for records related to the state’s “role in providing refuge to Texas Democrat legislators, who fled their state in an attempt to deny quorum and block a redistricting vote.”
https://evanstonnow.com/biss-sued-by-group-over-ice-records/
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