Request for Immaculate Constellation

Mandatory Declassification Review Office
Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Washington, D.C.

Subject: Request for Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR)

Dear MDR Officer,

Pursuant to Executive Order 13526 and relevant implementing regulations, I respectfully request a Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR) of all classified emails or text messages sent to or from the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) that contain the phrase “Immaculate Constellation” during the period from January 1, 2020 to November 25, 2024.

This request specifically pertains to records that are classified under national security or other applicable classification authorities.

Please ensure that all responsive records are thoroughly reviewed to determine if portions of the documents or the entirety of the information can be declassified. If any portions of the requested records remain classified after the review, I request that any reasonably segregable non-classified portions of the records be provided to me as required by applicable regulations.

In the event of a denial of declassification, please provide a detailed justification, citing the specific authority and reasons for withholding the requested information. If you determine that no responsive records exist or if any exemptions under Executive Order 13526 apply, please let me know.

Please acknowledge receipt of this request and provide an estimated timeline for processing. I am willing to pay reasonable fees for search, review, and duplication of the requested records. If the estimated fees exceed $50, please inform me beforehand.

If you have any questions regarding this request, feel free to contact me at the email or phone number provided above.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Response

Good afternoon, Mr. Bolin,

Upon review, your request does not meet the reasonable description standard in order to be opened as an MDR.

ODNI has recently searched on this terminology for several FOIA requests and the only document found has been posted on our public website here: https://www.dni.gov/files/documents/FOIA/DF-2025-00021-Immaculate-Constellation-descrp-from-UNCLASS-Press-22-Oct-2024.pdf.

Thank you,

ODNI FOIA

ODNI’s New FOIA address: ODNI_FOIA@odni.gov

ODNI’s New FOIA Liaison address: ODNI_FOIA_Liaison@odni.gov

Appeal

Mandatory Declassification Review Office
Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Washington, D.C.

Subject: Appeal of Denial for Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR) Request

Dear MDR Appeals Officer,

I am writing to formally appeal the decision communicated in your response regarding my MDR request for records containing the phrase “Immaculate Constellation” dated November 25, 2024. I respectfully contest your determination that my request does not meet the reasonable description standard required for processing.

My original request was clearly defined and limited in scope, specifically seeking classified emails or text messages sent to or from the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) containing the specified phrase, covering the period of January 1, 2020, to November 25, 2024. This request includes a precise date range, specific key phrase, and specified custodians, fulfilling the reasonable description requirement as outlined in relevant guidance and Executive Order 13526.

While I appreciate the information regarding previously released records available on the ODNI public website, I believe my request covers additional records that may not have been disclosed through the referenced FOIA case. The availability of one publicly released document should not preclude a thorough search for other potentially responsive records.

In accordance with Executive Order 13526 and applicable regulations, I reiterate my request for a comprehensive review of all responsive records. I also request that, if the information cannot be fully declassified, any reasonably segregable portions of the records be released with redactions.

Should this appeal be denied, I kindly request that you provide a detailed explanation, including the specific exemptions applied under Executive Order 13526 or other relevant authorities.

I am prepared to pay any applicable fees associated with this request and ask that you contact me in advance if the charges exceed $50. I would appreciate an acknowledgment of this appeal and an estimated timeline for processing.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,

Stephen J. Bolin