Covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities. (Department Homeland Security Los Angeles)

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following records:

Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request – Request for Expedited Processing

Dear FOIA Officer,

This letter serves as a formal request under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552, and the applicable regulations, for access to records in the possession of this agency related to covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities.

As an American citizen exercising my rights under the FOIA, I hereby request expedited processing of this request due to its significant public interest and the urgency of the matter.

I am seeking access to the following records:

1. Internal memoranda, directives, and communications discussing the planning, execution, and objectives of covert operations, including any references to historical programs such as COINTELPRO and MK Ultra.
2. Operational plans, strategies, and guidelines governing surveillance and intelligence-gathering activities, including any coordination with community policing initiatives.
3. Records of surveillance operations, including logs, reports, and warrants obtained for monitoring targeted individuals or groups, as well as any watch lists or databases utilized.
4. Intelligence reports, assessments, and analyses resulting from surveillance and infiltration efforts, including assessments of private contractors involved.
5. Training materials, manuals, and protocols used to educate personnel involved in covert operations, including materials related to community alerts or coordination with neighborhood watch groups.
6. Budgetary documents related to the funding and allocation of resources for covert surveillance and intelligence activities.
7. Legal opinions, guidance, and interpretations concerning the legality and oversight of covert programs.
8. After-action reports, evaluations, and assessments conducted to review the effectiveness and impact of covert operations.
9. Copies of contracts, agreements, and invoices involving any third-party contractors engaged in activities specified above.
10. All records of complaints, investigations, and disciplinary actions related to the aforementioned activities.

This request also includes documents related to activities synonymous with or related to "Cointelpro 2.0," encompassing covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, undercover investigations, disruption programs, counterterrorism measures, covert infiltration tactics, political surveillance programs, coercive intelligence operations, and national security investigations.

I request that all responsive records be provided to me in electronic format, preferably via email or a secure online portal. If certain documents are exempt from disclosure, please provide a detailed explanation of the applicable exemptions and provide segregable portions that can be released.

Please process this request specifically for Evan L Rees, as the documents sought are requested in relation to myself.

I am willing to pay reasonable fees associated with this request. If the estimated fees exceed $50.00, please notify me in advance of processing the request.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your prompt handling of this request. I look forward to your timely response.

Sincerely,

Evan L Rees

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Evan L Rees

Subject: Re: Response to FOIA Request

Outreach,

I appreciate the prompt response to my Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. However, I must express my disappointment with the redirection to external websites, as it is not legally permissible under FOIA regulations.

As a concerned citizen, I have submitted a formal request under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552, seeking access to records pertaining to covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities. It is essential to note the gravity of the matter at hand, which implicates significant public interest and necessitates expedited processing of this request.

The response provided fails to address the serious nature of the information sought. Given the content of my request, which specifically addresses concerns regarding historical programs such as COINTELPRO and MK Ultra, it is imperative that the Department of Justice (DOJ) responds in accordance with its legal obligations under FOIA.

Furthermore, I would like to underscore my awareness of the potential involvement of the DOJ in activities outlined in my request. This acknowledgment only strengthens my resolve to pursue this matter diligently and transparently, in cooperation with my legal team.

In light of the legal and ethical implications of this request, I urge the DOJ to reconsider its response and provide a substantive reply that aligns with the requirements of FOIA. Failure to do so may compel me to explore further legal avenues to ensure compliance.

I trust that the DOJ will approach this matter with the utmost seriousness and provide a timely and comprehensive response. Please acknowledge receipt of this correspondence and confirm the initiation of appropriate measures to address my FOIA request.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Evan L Rees