Fact Check: Between mid-January and April, there were 262 searches on immigration-related matters in Mount Prospect alone.

Fact Check: "Between mid-January and April, there were 262 searches on immigration-related matters in Mount Prospect alone."

What We Know

The claim regarding the number of immigration-related searches conducted by the Mount Prospect police department is supported by multiple sources. According to Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, between January 14 and April 30, 2023, there were indeed 262 searches related to immigration matters in Mount Prospect (6abc, CBS News, Journal Topics). This information was part of a broader investigation into the misuse of automatic license plate reader (ALPR) data by the Mount Prospect police, which allegedly shared this data with out-of-state authorities, including those in Texas, in violation of Illinois law (6abc, Daily Herald).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, as it is corroborated by statements from the Illinois Secretary of State and reported by various reputable news outlets. The consistency across multiple reports adds credibility to the assertion that 262 immigration-related searches occurred during the specified timeframe (6abc, CBS News, NBC Chicago).

Moreover, the context of these searches is significant. The Illinois law passed in 2023 prohibits the sharing of ALPR data for the purpose of tracking individuals based on their immigration status or for seeking abortion-related healthcare (CBS News, Daily Herald). This law underscores the importance of the data's intended use and the potential legal ramifications for misuse.

The sources reporting this information include established news organizations and government officials, which generally indicates a higher level of reliability. However, it is essential to note that the information originates from official statements, which may carry an inherent bias, particularly in politically charged contexts such as immigration and reproductive rights. Nonetheless, the corroboration across multiple outlets mitigates concerns about the reliability of the information.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that there were 262 searches on immigration-related matters in Mount Prospect between mid-January and April is accurate. This figure is supported by official statements from the Illinois Secretary of State and corroborated by multiple reputable news sources. The context of these searches, particularly in light of Illinois' legal framework regarding the use of ALPR data, further validates the claim.

Sources

1. Illinois officials investigate license-plate data shared ... - 6ABC
2. Giannoulias accuses Texas of illegally accessing Mount ... - CBS News
3. Secretary Of State Investigating Mount Prospect Police - Journal Topics
4. Secretary of State: Mount Prospect license-plate reader ... - Daily Herald
5. Illinois officials investigate license-plate data shared with ... - WGN TV
6. Suburban PD that shared data with Texas police seeking ... - NBC Chicago
7. Officials investigate license-plate data shared with police for ... - ABC News
8. News | Village of Mount Prospect, ...