The Sanctuary City of New Haven has provoked protracted proceedings before the State’s Freedom of Information Commission over its refusal to honor requests for information surrounding its controversial “IDs for Illegal Aliens” program. The FOIC consolidated the cases of two complainants who allege the city’s refusal to disclose information about its activities violates the state’s freedom of information laws and regulations. This is hardly the first time New Haven officials have responded to FOIA requests by ensnaring those who made them in endless bureaucratic proceedings before the FOIC. They know how to game the system.
One of the complaints, filed by Journal Inquirer Managing Editor Chris Powell, dates back to September of 2007. Among other information, Powell sought documents identifying those to whom the city has issued government ID cards. So far, the FOIC has held no fewer than five evidentiary hearings on these complaints and the sessions are scheduled to continue this week.
