Fact Check: Between mid-January and April 2023, the Mount Prospect Police Department conducted 262 searches related to immigration matters.

Fact Check: "Between mid-January and April 2023, the Mount Prospect Police Department conducted 262 searches related to immigration matters."

What We Know

The claim states that the Mount Prospect Police Department conducted 262 searches related to immigration matters between mid-January and April 2023. This assertion is supported by multiple sources. According to a report from the Illinois Secretary of State's Office, it was confirmed that there were indeed 262 searches on immigration-related matters conducted by the Mount Prospect Police Department during this timeframe (AP News, Mount Prospect News, Statesman). The investigation into these searches arose after concerns were raised about the misuse of license plate data by law enforcement agencies in Illinois, particularly in relation to a new law prohibiting such data sharing for immigration enforcement (Fox 32 Chicago, Wric).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, as it is corroborated by several credible news outlets and official statements from the Illinois Secretary of State's Office. The reports consistently mention the 262 immigration-related searches conducted by the Mount Prospect Police Department, which aligns with the timeline specified in the claim (AP News, Star Tribune, WGN TV).

The sources cited are reputable, including the Associated Press, which is known for its journalistic integrity, and local news outlets that have reported on the investigation into the Mount Prospect Police Department's actions. The Illinois Secretary of State's statements add an official layer of credibility to the claim, as they are based on an investigation into the police department's compliance with state law (Journal Topics).

However, it is important to note that while the Mount Prospect Police Department conducted these searches, the context of the searches—specifically their legality and the implications of sharing license plate data—has raised significant concerns among privacy advocates and state officials. The Secretary of State, Alexi Giannoulias, emphasized that such searches violate Illinois law, which aims to protect individuals from surveillance related to immigration and abortion matters (AP News, Fox 32 Chicago).

Conclusion

The claim that the Mount Prospect Police Department conducted 262 searches related to immigration matters between mid-January and April 2023 is True. The evidence is consistent across multiple credible sources, including official statements from the Illinois Secretary of State's Office, confirming the number of searches and the context in which they were conducted.

Sources

1. Illinois investigates police for sharing license plate data ...
2. News | Village of Mount Prospect, ...
3. Texas police 'abused' license plate data for immigration ...
4. Texas sheriff's office accessed Mount Prospect license ...
5. Illinois officials investigate license-plate data shared with ...
6. Illinois officials investigate license-plate data shared with ...
7. Illinois officials investigate license-plate data shared with ...
8. Secretary Of State Investigating Mount Prospect Police