Since 1967, a law called the Freedom of Information Act — most people just say FOIA — has given everyday Americans the right to request records from any federal agency. That includes records about you personally. For personal file requests, there’s generally no fee.
The government has over 100 federal agencies, and each one handles its own FOIA requests. So if you want to know whether the FBI has a file on you, you go to the FBI. If it’s another agency, you go there directly. FOIA.gov has a search tool that helps you figure out exactly where to send your request.
For FBI records specifically, the ACLU of Florida explains that you can submit your request through the FBI’s eFOIPA portal — it’s electronic, and the FBI will review what they find and mail you whatever can be released.
Now, here’s the honest part: they don’t have to hand over everything. FOIA has nine exemptions — things like active law enforcement investigations, classified national security info, and certain personal privacy protections. So you might get a document with some parts blacked out, or you might be told certain records can’t be released. That’s normal.
If you’re just a regular person who’s never been involved in anything, your request will probably come back empty — which is actually kind of reassuring to know. But if you’ve attended protests, been involved in any legal situations, or just want to know what the government knows about you, this is your legal tool to find out.
I had no idea this applied to protest attendance, that actually surprised me. Has anyone here ever submitted one and gotten something back? Curious what the experience is actually like.