A journalist has filed a lawsuit against a federal agency, accusing it of withholding crucial information about a database that tracks visas for victims of human trafficking. On November 26, 2025, Alexander Devoid submitted the complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina against the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The case revolves around the HAVEN database maintained by USCIS, which stores sensitive information related to U and T visas granted to victims of human trafficking. Devoid, an investigative journalist known for his work with ProPublica and other publications, argues that understanding how this data is used is essential for public transparency. According to Devoid’s complaint, USCIS has failed to respond adequately to his Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request submitted on February 16, 2021. Despite waiting over four years, Devoid claims that USCIS has not provided access to the requested records and instead issued contradictory responses.
Devoid’s FOIA request sought detailed information about the structure and use of the HAVEN database. Initially, USCIS claimed to have released 432 pages related to HAVEN but later denied Devoid’s request entirely under FOIA exemptions concerning inter-agency communications and law enforcement techniques. In response, Devoid filed an appeal on October 13, 2025, which remains unresolved as USCIS has yet to provide a determination.
The lawsuit accuses USCIS of violating multiple provisions of FOIA by failing to make timely determinations on appeals and improperly withholding agency records. The plaintiff seeks declaratory relief affirming these violations and requests injunctive relief compelling USCIS to release all non-exempt records promptly. Additionally, Devoid seeks attorney’s fees and costs associated with bringing this action.
Representing Alexander Devoid is Daniel Melo from The Melo Law Firm in Raleigh, NC. The case is identified as Case No. 1:25-cv-00423 in front of the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina.
Source: 125cv00423_Devoid_v_United_States_Citizenship_and_Immigration_Services_Complaint_Western_District_North_Carolina.pdf
