Summary
FOIA Case F-2025-28025 involves a records request submitted to the Department of State seeking documents related to a file reportedly created by U.S. Embassy Lomé concerning Sgt Kelvin Blas. The request seeks all communications, internal memoranda, and records reflecting the creation, maintenance, or dissemination of that file.
Procedural History & Updates
- August 4, 2025 – FOIA request submitted to Department of State.
- September 11, 2025 – Department of State acknowledged the request, assigned tracking number F-2025-28025, and placed it in the complex processing track. The acknowledgment was issued after the 20-working-day statutory response period.
- September 24, 2025 – Administrative appeal filed challenging missed statutory deadline and invocation of “unusual circumstances.”
- September 24, 2025 – Request for mediation assistance submitted to OGIS regarding missed statutory deadline and processing delays.
- November 20, 2025 – OGIS responded regarding processing delay.
- December 5, 2025 – Second administrative appeal and status demand letter submitted.
- February 10, 2026 – Final notice issued to the Department of State indicating intent to seek judicial relief absent a substantive response.
- February 10, 2026 – Department of State acknowledged receipt of notice of intent to seek judicial relief and indicated a follow-up response would be provided.
- December 15, 2025 – Second administrative appeal filed asserting constructive exhaustion due to continued delay and non-response to prior appeal.
- February 5, 2026 – DOS Litigation & Appeals Office responded, stating the request is not eligible for administrative appeal at this stage and remains in processing.
- February 20, 2026 – Appeal Resubmitted – Awaiting acknowledgement