Investigative Journalist Removed from Public Meeting — City Officials Target jamie Hicks 

MARCH 1,2025

Hicks News Investigative Team 

THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THEY REMOVED HICKS

On October 30, of 2023, investigative journalist and Hicks News founder Jamie Hicks was forcibly removed from a public city meeting in LaSalle — without warning, without justification, and without due process.

This sudden removal, which occurred while Hicks was documenting public proceedings, is the latest in a long string of attempts by city officials to silence dissent, suppress public scrutiny, and block the exposure of backroom dealings that have plagued the city for years.

Where’s the Phone?

Adding to the severity of the incident, Hicks’ personal phone — used to record and document public meetings, ongoing investigations, and communications with sources — was either confiscated or went missing during the removal. No explanation has been provided, and city officials have refused to disclose the location or status of the device.

The removal itself was clearly coordinated, with multiple officials acting in lockstep, reinforcing concerns that this was not a spontaneous action but rather a premeditated effort to silence critical reporting and investigative journalism in LaSalle.

Pattern of Abuse and Retaliation

Hicks News has extensively covered the misuse of TIF funds, closed-door deals, manipulated public records, and the city’s cozy relationship with Carus Chemical — issues city leadership would rather keep buried. This targeted removal fits a broader pattern of retaliation against residents, whistleblowers, and journalists who dare to demand transparency and accountability.

This is not just an attack on Jamie Hicks — it’s an attack on the people of LaSalle and their right to attend public meetings, ask hard questions, and demand honest answers from their government.

Open Meetings Act Violations?

The Illinois Open Meetings Act (OMA) guarantees the public’s right to observe, participate in, and document public meetings. Removing a journalist without cause — particularly one known for exposing government misconduct — raises serious legal questions and further erodes public trust.

Hicks News Investigates

Hicks News has already filed FOIA requests seeking all communications between city officials in the days leading up to the meeting. We intend to expose:

Every document, recording, and internal memo we uncover will be published in full — because this government works for the people, not for itself.

Stay Informed, Stay Engaged

This is far from over. Hicks News will continue to follow this story and hold those responsible accountable. The truth doesn’t die when they kick you out of a meeting — it only grows louder.

Follow Hicks News for ongoing updates, leaked documents, and the facts they don’t want you to see.


Hicks News – Investigating What They Want Buried.