The FBI files obtained by the Sun-Times are filled with well-known people who, for one reason or another, came under scrutiny by the agency, like renowned organizer Saul Alinsky in the file shown here.

The FBI files obtained by the Sun-Times are filled with well-known people who, for one reason or another, came under scrutiny by the agency, like renowned organizer Saul Alinsky in the file shown here.

FBI

The FBI files

The Sun-Times has compiled a database of FBI records on notable people with ties to Illinois, including politicians, gangsters and religious leaders. Keep checking back for updates.

What do the feds know?

Plenty — especially about Chicago-area political figures, reputed mobsters, union leaders, government officials and others among the famous and the infamous.

The FBI gathers a lot of information on a lot of people. And, when those people die, the FBI’s files on them often become public documents, accessible upon request, though frequently heavily redacted.

Sometimes, it also will release its records on the living and on events and organizations like street gangs.

The Chicago Sun-Times has compiled FBI records on people and groups with ties to, or of particular interest to, the Chicago region and Illinois. They can be viewed through this portal, with new ones to be added regularly.

Beside shining a light on historical events and people and giving a glimpse of how law enforcement operates, some of the files, as you’ll see, are just plain entertaining.

CLICK TO HEAR REPORTER ROBERT HERGUTH TALK WITH WCIU’S ‘THE JAM’

CONTACT US
Questions? Tips? Call or email (312) 321-2522 or fbifiles@suntimes.com.

The Latest
Despite getting into foul trouble, which limited him to just six minutes in the second half, Shannon finished with 29 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Cowboy hats, bell-bottoms and boots were on full display Thursday night as fans lined up for the first of his three sold-out shows.
The incident occurred about 3:40 p.m. near Minooka. The horse was successfully placed back into the trailer, and the highway reopened about 40 minutes later. No injuries were reported.
The Hawks conceded the game’s only two goals within the first seven minutes and were shut out for the 12th time this season in a 2-0 defeat Thursday.