President Trump designated ICE a “security agency.” The move shields ICE from public accountability, allowing them to withhold even more information.
In a blow to government transparency, the Trump administration has decided to designate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) a “security/sensitive agency.” The move further shields ICE from public accountability, allowing them to withhold even more information.
According to a leaked government memo, the Trump administration granted ICE’s request to be designated a “security/sensitive” agency when it comes to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The designation limits the public’s ability to obtain vital information about ICE. Now, the agency and its personnel will be less accountable to the public.
FOIA is an important tool that provides people the right to access information from the federal government, which includes ICE. While the objective of the Act is disclosure, not secrecy, FOIA includes categories of information that are unavailable to the public. Agencies can also apply exemptions to withhold certain types of information. Immigration agencies have long applied these exemptions liberally, so those requesting the information are forced to obtain it through litigation...
