ICE Informants: How County Prosecutors Became Agents of Deportation

Across Illinois, a disturbing trend has emerged: county prosecutors are secretly collaborating with federal immigration agencies, sharing sensitive personal data about individuals they're prosecuting without their knowledge or consent. This collaboration has led to dozens of deportations, leaving a trail of families torn apart and a community reeling. In a shocking revelation, emails obtained by investigators reveal the extent of this clandestine partnership, which has been happening with alarming frequency since President Donald Trump's second term.

Background & Context

The state's 2017 TRUST Act, aimed at keeping local law enforcement out of federal deportation efforts, has created a gray area. While the law bars police and other agencies from assisting in deportations without a federal warrant, its implications for prosecutors and their staff remain unclear. As a result, county prosecutors have been navigating this ambiguity, often unwittingly or even knowingly collaborating with federal immigration agencies.

This collaboration is particularly concerning given the Trump administration's ramped-up immigration enforcement efforts. With the Department of Homeland Security aggressively targeting undocumented immigrants, the stakes are higher than ever. In Illinois, where sanctuary cities like Chicago have long offered a safe haven, the consequences of these actions are felt deeply. As one immigrant, Rolando Perez Samayoa, discovered, the very laws meant to protect him were being exploited by those sworn to uphold them.

Key Details

Samayoa, a 44-year-old Mexican immigrant, had fled violence in his home country and made his way to southern Illinois. He found work cleaning a factory and started a new life, only to be arrested for a DUI in Marion County last October. What followed was a shocking series of events, as prosecutors and federal agents conspired to deport him. Assistant state's attorney John Christeson emailed a Homeland Security Investigations agent, Sergio Fulgencio, with Samayoa's personal details, including his date of birth, address, and upcoming court date.

Fulgencio's response, just minutes later, was chilling: "Ok, we'll take care of it, thank you." Over the next few weeks, the federal agent requested more information, including police reports and related tickets. The exchange was part of a larger pattern, with dozens of emails reviewed by investigators revealing a disturbing level of collaboration between county prosecutors and federal immigration agencies.

State's attorneys offices in 1 out of every 6 Illinois counties have been acting as valuable assets of federal immigration enforcement. This has happened without the knowledge of defendants or their attorneys, often without public disclosure or legislative oversight. The emails obtained by investigators reveal that sometimes prosecutors volunteered information on their own, while other times they simply answered when federal agents came calling.

What Experts Say

Experts warn that this collaboration is not only a betrayal of public trust but also a serious threat to due process. "This is a clear example of how the line between law enforcement and immigration enforcement has become increasingly blurred," says Maria Rodriguez, a civil rights attorney. "When prosecutors start working with federal agents to deport individuals without their knowledge or consent, it raises serious questions about the integrity of our justice system."

As one expert notes, this trend has far-reaching implications: "If county prosecutors can be complicit in deportations without a warrant, it sets a precedent that undermines the entire system of checks and balances. It's a slippery slope, and we're seeing the consequences play out in real-time."

Key Takeaways

• County prosecutors in 1 out of every 6 Illinois counties have been secretly collaborating with federal immigration agencies, sharing sensitive personal data without consent.
• This collaboration has led to dozens of deportations, leaving families torn apart and a community reeling.
• The state's 2017 TRUST Act has created a gray area, leaving prosecutors and their staff uncertain about their obligations.
• This trend has far-reaching implications, threatening due process and the integrity of our justice system.

What This Means For You

For everyday citizens, this trend is a stark reminder that the justice system is not always what it seems. When county prosecutors start working with federal agents to deport individuals without their knowledge or consent, it's a clear sign that something is seriously amiss. As we navigate this complex landscape, it's essential to stay informed and vigilant, demanding transparency and accountability from those in power.

As one immigrant, Rolando Perez Samayoa, said, "I came to the US seeking safety, but instead, I found a system that was designed to trap me. It's a wake-up call for all of us to demand better from our leaders and to stand up for the rights of those who are most vulnerable." By shining a light on this disturbing trend, we can begin to rebuild trust and create a more just society for all.