Guardian U.S. v. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Case Number: 1:25-cv-02069

Court: U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia

Client: Guardian U.S.

Background: In May 2025, Guardian U.S. Data Editor Will Craft submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement seeking access to deportation records dating back to Jan. 1, 2025. Among other records, the request sought forms that document any time the agency apprehends an individual whom it considers to be “deportable,” as well as reports that document incidents of abuse, neglect, or assault involving ICE detainees.

ICE acknowledged receipt of the request, but the agency has failed to make a determination or release any responsive records.

On behalf of Guardian U.S., attorneys from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press filed this lawsuit to obtain the records, alleging that ICE violated FOIA by failing to comply with statutory deadlines, wrongfully withholding agency records, and failing to grant the news outlet’s request for expedited processing. The lawsuit asks the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to order ICE to conduct a timely search for the requested records and to turn over all non-exempt records.

Quote: “As the Trump administration intensifies its national crackdown on immigration and broad sweeps of communities, the Guardian and others are attempting to document the detention and deportation of thousands of individuals and families. Unfortunately, ICE is withholding access to data that would allow the public to understand its actions — information the public has a right to know,” said Guardian U.S. General Counsel Kai Falkenberg. “Today, we and the Reporters Committee are suing ICE for documents that represent a clear and overwhelming matter of public interest.”

Filings:

2025-06-30: Complaint