A large portion of the work of the ACLU of New Mexico involves public education - informing the public through media and community events about the importance of preserving individual rights and liberties. This section contains information about our cases and upcoming events. The latest news from the ACLU-NM and upcoming events are listed below.

ACLU of New Mexico Events

Protecting the Rule of Law

Sunday July 27th at 5 p.m.
Santa Fe Women’s Club
1616 Old Pecos Trail

Please join the ACLU of New Mexico for a conversation about the developing situation in Guantánamo with special guests Nancy Hollander, Michael Herzenberg, and Peter Simonson. 

Following the recent Supreme Court ruling that extends the right of habeas corpus to prisoners detained at Guantánamo, reports are surfacing that the Bush administration is planning the closure of the detention camp. Nevertheless, the Bush administration is continuing to rush through proceedings of high profile detainees before the November election. The ACLU renews its call for the prison and the military commissions occurring there to be shut down once and for all.

Speakers:

Nancy Hollander, Criminal Defense Attorney

Nancy Hollander has practiced criminal law for thirty years and has considerable experience defending clients charged with offenses related to terrorism and national security. Ms. Hollander is lead counsel for Mohamedou Ould Slahi, a Mauritanian man currently imprisoned at Guantánamo Bay.

Michael Herzenberg, Reporter/Anchor, KRQE News 13

Michael Herzenberg is a reporter and anchor for KRQE News 13. On his recent visit to Guantánamo, he covered the 70 New Mexico National Guard troops who are there to provide support for the military tribunals set up to try terror-war suspects at Guantánamo Bay and assure the humane treatment of the prisoners. During his visit, Mr. Herzenberg came face to face with operational security: tight limits on information, always-present military minders, and censorship of video and still images.

Peter Simonson, Executive Director, ACLU of New Mexico

As primary spokesperson for the ACLU of New Mexico, Peter Simonson develops all policy positions and represents the organization in the media and in public on such diverse topics as national security, “zero tolerance” in public schools, racial profiling, separation of church and state, and the protection of free speech rights. Under Dr. Simonson’s leadership the organization has grown from 2,500 members in 2001 to over 6,000 today. Its legal docket has grown from a dozen civil liberties cases a year to well over 30.

WHEN:  Sunday July 27th at 5 p.m.

WHERE:  Santa Fe Women’s Club, 1616 Old Pecos Trail [Map]

BRING A FRIEND!  This event is free and open to the public.

QUESTIONS? Call (505) 266- 5915 ext. 1003 or wpotter@aclu-nm.org

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Watch The ACLU Freedom Files on Channel 16 in Santa Fe
Do you live in Santa Fe? If so, tune in every Friday at 7 PM and Sunday at 6 PM to Channel 16 (Santa Fe Community TV) for The ACLU Freedom Files.

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Staff Appearances

Request a speaker! Staff from the ACLU of New Mexico can provide a lively discussion for your meeting, synagogue, church, classroom or other forum. Please click here to enter your request, or call (505) 266-5915 ext. 1003.

Latest News

(05-21-08) ACLU Defends Border Patrol Agents for Exposing Practice of ‘Shotgunning’
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico today filed suit against U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) authorities on behalf of two CBP agents who were suspended from duty after speaking out against the agency’s practice of “shotgunning traffic”--i.e., randomly stopping vehicles without reasonable suspicion.  Agents Juan Curbelo and William Leafstone, Jr. have worked for the CBP for 12 years.  Continued>>

(05-16-8) ACLU Hails California Decision on Marriage for Gay Men and Lesbians
Statement of Peter Simonson, ACLU of New Mexico Executive Director

(04-09-08) MALDEF, ACLU and Otero County Sheriff's Department
Resolve Civil Rights Suit
Sheriff’s Department Agrees to Revise Operational Procedures Concerning Immigrants
LAS CRUCES, NM— MALDEF and the ACLU of New Mexico today announced a landmark settlement with the Otero County Sheriff’s Department that addresses what plaintiffs alleged were civil rights violations committed by county deputies during immigration sweeps last September in the southern New Mexico town of Chaparral.  Civil rights advocates say the agreement will help restore community trust in local law enforcement and greatly improve the safety of all people living in the County. Continued>>

(03-07-08) International Human Rights Experts Denounce U.S. Record on Racial and Ethnic Discrimination
ACLU Applauds Recommendations And Demands Immediate Action GENEVA—A United Nations committee today issued a strongly worded critique of the United States’ record on racial discrimination and urged the government to make sweeping reforms to policies and laws affecting racial and ethnic minorities, women, and immigrants in this country. The ACLU called on the U.S. government to take vigorous steps to implement the committee’s recommendations and fulfill its human rights treaty obligations. Continued>>

(03-05-08) Coalition Opposes St. Vincent Merger Plan
Groups to Mobilize Community Against Proposed Partnership with CHRISTUS
SANTA FE—A coalition of community organizations on Wednesday announced its opposition to the proposed partnership between St. Vincent Hospital and CHRISTUS Health after St. Vincent Hospital refused to share details of the partnership agreement, which they claim would protect family planning and end-of-life care at the hospital. Continued>>

(02-29-08) Community Groups Set Deadline for St. Vincent Response
Coalition Wants the Hospital to Make a Commitment to the Community that They Will Share Details of Partnership Agreement with the Public SANTA FE - In a letter sent to the St. Vincent Hospital Board of Directors on Wednesday, a coalition of community groups called on board members to tell the public by March 4th whether the hospital will share details of its proposed partnership agreement with Catholic-run CHRISTUS Health and how that partnership would affect the provision of family planning, reproductive health services, and end-of-life care at the hospital. Continued>>

(02-15-08) DEA Ordered Seizure of Medical Marijuana from Paraplegic Patient According to Local Law Enforcement
CARLSBAD – According to a sworn affidavit filed yesterday by an Eddy County law enforcement official, the seizure of medical marijuana from a local paraplegic man, “was done at the direction of and under the guidance and control of the [Drug Enforcement Administration] DEA.”  The affidavit, submitted by David Edmondson, Commander of the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force, which conducted the seizure on September 4, 2007, makes clear that the federal government directed local law enforcement to seize the medical marijuana of a patient fully authorized to use the medicine under state law. Continued »

(01-24-08) ACLU Sues MDC for Rape of Inmate
ALBUQUERQUE—The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico filed a lawsuit today against the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) for failing to protect inmate Roman Gallardo from physical and sexual assault by another prisoner while Gallardo was incarcerated for a DWI offense in 2006.  The rape took place after Gallardo, an openly gay man, was forced to share a cell with an inmate who was known to have sexually assaulted at least one other prisoner. Continued »

(01-17-08) ACLU Sues Sheriff’s Deputies to Uphold New Mexico Marijuana Law
CARLSBARD – A paraplegic man is suing Eddy County Sheriff's Deputies for seizing marijuana plants and equipment to grow marijuana, which he uses to control pain resulting from a spinal cord injury.  Leonard French received a license to cultivate and use small quantities of marijuana for medicinal purposes from the State of New Mexico under the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act.  The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico, which represents French, says the deputies' actions violated not only that law, but also state forfeiture laws and a constitutional prohibition on unreasonable searches and seizures. Continued »

ACLU Sues Law Enforcement for Shielding President Bush From Protestors, Group Calls Action Unconstitutional and Discriminatory
(01-15-08) ALBUQUERQUE - The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of New Mexico filed a lawsuit in federal court today on behalf of several New Mexico residents and advocacy organizations who were made to stand more than 150 yards away from the site of a fundraiser being attended by the president as they peacefully protested the views of the administration, while a group of people expressing support for President Bush were allowed to stand only a few feet from the fundraiser site. Continued »

New ACLU Report Details Pervasive Racial Discrimination in America, Group Calls U.S. Report to U.N. a Whitewash
(12-10-07) NEW YORK—The American Civil Liberties Union today released a comprehensive analysis of the pervasive institutionalized, systemic and structural racism in America. The report, Race & Ethnicity in America: Turning a Blind Eye to Injustice, is a response to the U.S. report to the United Nations’ Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) released earlier this year. The U.S. report, which the ACLU called a “whitewash,” swept under the rug the dramatic effects of widespread racial and ethnic discrimination in this country. Continued »

ACLU Sues for Better Safety and Services in NM Juvenile Justice Facilities
ALBUQUERQUE—The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico sued the New Mexico Children Youth and Families Department (CYFD) today for failing to ensure safe living conditions and essential rehabilitation services for young people in state juvenile justice facilities.  The lawsuit charges CYFD with breaching the terms of a contract that it signed with the ACLU in February 2006 requiring the agency to establish minimally adequate mental health services and protect youth from physical assaults and threats of violence.  CYFD entered into the 2006 agreement in order to avoid being sued for rights violations at that time. Continued »

Civil Rights Groups Sue Doña Ana County Jail over Poor Mental Health Services
Civil rights groups sued the Dona Ana County Detention Center today for failure to provide adequate mental health services to inmates in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and constitutional prohibitions on “cruel and unusual punishment.”  The class action suit charges county officials with “deliberate indifference to [inmates’] serious mental health needs,” including failure to provide adequate mental health screening, monitoring, and care. Continued »

Families Sue Otero County Sheriffs Over Illegal Immigration Raids
Civil rights groups say sheriffs “broke trust” with community
LAS CRUCES, NM—Civil rights groups sued the Otero County Sheriff’s Department today for civil rights violations committed during immigration sweeps last September in the southern New Mexico town of Chaparral.  On behalf of five Latino families, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico charged sheriff’s deputies with raiding homes without search warrants, interrogating families without evidence of criminal activity, and targeting households on the basis of race and ethnicity.  The groups seek monetary damages and guarantees that the sheriff’s department will refrain from such raids in the future. Continued>>

MALDEF and ACLU to Announce Response to Otero County Immigration Raids
The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico will make an important announcement about collaborative efforts to defend the civil rights of Latino families in Chaparral, New Mexico. Continued>>

DEA Returns Trucker’s Cash
ALBUQUERQUE—The federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) gave back almost $23,000 to truck driver Anastasio Prieto in response to a civil rights lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico. The DEA seized the money in connection with a search of Prieto’s truck that occurred at a weigh station north of El Paso on August 8. DEA agents had no evidence that Prieto was involved in illegal activity. Continued >>

School Must Permit Gay-Straight Club to Form, Says ACLU
FARMINGTON—Controversy over the creation of a Gay-Straight Alliance club at Piedra Vista High School (Farmington) prompted the intervention of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico today.  In a letter to Piedra Vista Principal Ann Gattis, the ACLU affirmed the school’s “legal obligation to permit the GSA to form,” despite religious objections by some parents in the community. Continued>>

ACLU Reacts to Sweeps of Border Immigrant Communities
LAS CRUCES, NM—The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico condemned recent immigration raids by Otero and Doña Ana County Sheriff's deputies in the border towns of Chaparral and Vado today.  The local police agencies are assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to conduct sweeps of immigrant neighborhoods, knocking on doors and checking identification.  Authorities also are stopping motorists and entering private businesses. Continued>>

DEA Takes Trucker’s Money; ACLU Wants It Given Back
ALBUQUERQUE—Truck driver Anastasio Prieto wants his $23,700 back, and the ACLU has pledged to help him.  Continued>>

Civil Rights Groups Hail Massachusetts Decision Allowing NM Same-Sex Couples to Marry
Couples who marry in Massachusetts cautioned not to expect major change in New Mexico’s treatment of same-sex marriages
ALBUQUERQUE—The American Civil Liberties Union and Equality New Mexico welcomed news today that the Massachusetts Public Health Department recently notified state clerks there that same-sex couples from New Mexico should be allowed to marry in Massachusetts.  The groups, however, caution same-sex couples not to expect the state to recognize their marriages when they return home to New Mexico. Continued>>

High School Basketball Players Illegally Searched at a New Mexico Regional Tournament
Players and To’hajiilee School Board of Education Sue State Police Officers
TO’HAJIILEE, NM—The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico filed a lawsuit today on behalf of To’hajiilee Community School basketball players and the To’hajiilee School Board of Education, Inc., against three New Mexico State law enforcement officers for their illegal searches during a regional basketball tournament. Continued>>

ACLU Lawsuit against NMSU Football Coach Settles
LAS CRUCES—The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico has settled a lawsuit against New Mexico State University (NMSU) head football coach Hal Mumme on behalf of four Muslim players who claim they were victims of religious discrimination.  The parties have agreed to keep the amount of the settlement confidential for six months. Continued>>

Migrant Rights Advocate to Head New ACLU Border Office
LAS CRUCES—The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico has named Maria Nape as the Director of a new ACLU office, located in the border town of Las Cruces, New Mexico, which will defend civil rights, especially of immigrants, in the border region.  Nape has a law degree and years of experience advocating for the rights of migrant farmworkers. Continued>>

ACLU’s Case Against NMSU Football Coach Will Go to Trial
LAS CRUCES—Yesterday a federal court judge rejected legal motions by attorneys for New Mexico State University (NMSU) head football coach Hal Mumme asking the judge to throw out a case filed by attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico claiming that Mumme discriminated against four Muslim players on the basis of their religion.  The ruling means that the case will go to trial on June 25th, 2007. Continued>>

NM Senator Adair Sued for Barring Citizen from Senate Hearings

ALBUQUERQUE—The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico sued NM Senator Rod Adair today for denying Roswell resident Virgil Beagles his lawful right to attend legislative hearings during New Mexico’s recent legislative session. Continued>>

Las Cruces Mall Agrees to Injunction Allowing Man to Use Segway

ALBUQUERQUE – The Mesilla Valley Mall in Las Cruces agreed to a preliminary injunction that will allow John R. Funk to operate his Segway in the mall.  Funk, who suffers from severe scoliosis and spinal stenosis, uses the Segway as an alternative to a wheelchair. Continued>>

Las Cruces Mall Agrees to Stipulated Temporary Restraining Order in Segway Case; Hearing Moves to Federal Court

ALBUQUERQUE—The corporation that manages Mesilla Valley Mall in Las Cruces, Jones Lang Lasalle Inc. and its local manager, agreed to allow a man with a disability to operate his Segway, a motorized transportation device, in the mall until a hearing on the requested injunction is held in the lawsuit filed against them on March 29th, 2007. The defendants removed the case from state to federal court. The motion on a preliminary injunction will be heard on May 1st, 2007 at 1:30 PM before federal judge Judith Herrera in Albuquerque. Continued>>

Las Cruces Resident with Disability Sues Mall for Banning Segways

Las Cruces, NM—A man with a disability is suing the corporation that manages Mesilla Valley Mall in Las Cruces and its local manager for prohibiting him from entering the mall on his Segway, a self-balancing, two-wheeled transportation machine.  The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico claims that Jones Lang Lasalle, Inc. is violating John R. Funk’s rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Continued>>

Santa Fe Immigration Sweep Prompts ACLU Investigation

Albuquerque, NM—Questions surrounding recent immigration sweeps in Santa Fe motivated the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico to request all records surrounding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in New Mexico. Continued>>

ACLU Cries Foul over Rio Rancho Sex Ed Policy

Rio Rancho, NM—The ACLU raised objections on Tuesday to the participation of Rio Rancho School Board member Kathy Jackson in a January 22 vote not to offer alternatives to the district’s abstinence-only sex ed curriculum. According to the NM Secretary of State Office Web site, Jackson currently is a registered lobbyist for Best Choices Educational Services, Inc., the organization that contracts with the district to provide abstinence-only teaching. Continued>>

Albuquerque Voter ID Law Struck Down

Albuquerque, NM—A federal judge struck down Albuquerque’s Voter ID law yesterday “because it imposes a significant burden on the fundamental right to vote, and because that burden is not narrowly tailored to meet the City’s interest in preventing voter impersonation at the polls.”  The ruling results from a lawsuit that the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico filed in October, 2005 on behalf of the League of Woman Voters and Bernalillo County, Inc., among other plaintiffs. Continued >>

ACLU Seeks Retirement Health Insurance for Same-Sex Partners of New Mexico State Employees

Albuquerque, NM—The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit today against the state of New Mexico on behalf of three lesbian couples seeking retirement health insurance for the domestic partners of lesbian and gay state employees. Continued >>

Homeowner’s Association Attempts to Stop “Impeach Bush” Sign

Albuquerque, NM—The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico announced it would take legal action against a Albuquerque homeowner’s association if it made good on a threat to fine a couple for projecting a sign that said “Impeach Bush” on the side of their home. Continued >>

Rumble in Rio: Threats by Mayor Chavez Ruled Unconstitutional

Albuquerque, NM—U.S. District Court Judge William P. Johnson ruled that the city of Albuquerque may not discipline local police and firefighters for participating in an annual charity boxing event this weekend.  Judge Johnson deemed the threats and actions by Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez to reprimand or terminate officers for participating in the event violated their constitutional rights. Continued >>

Press Release | Complaint

Court Strikes Down Kendra’s Law

Albuquerque, NM—Second District Court Judge Valerie Huling struck down a law that would have empowered the City of Albuquerque to forcibly medicate people with mental illness.  The judge issued a permanent injunction against the "Assisted Outpatient Treatment" (AOT) ordinance, also known as Kendra’s Law, because it conflicted with State laws that govern treatment for the mentally ill. Continued >>

New Mexico Voters Seek Stronger Role for Congress in Checking President’s Actions, Poll Shows

October 10, 2006, Albuquerque, NM—New Mexico voters want to see Congress take a stronger role in providing checks and balances to the President’s actions in fighting terrorism. They also voice a strong preference for House and Senate candidates who will oppose the President’s policies on the treatment of Guantanamo detainees, the use of torture and extraordinary rendition of detainees as well as secret searches of the private records of Americans, according to a recent survey of 600 New Mexico registered voters. Continued >>

Press Release | Poll Results | Learn More About the Survey >>

NMSU Coach Sued for Religious Discrimination

Las Cruces, NM—Three Muslim athletes have accused New Mexico State University head football coach Hal Mumme of discharging them from the NMSU football team in 2005 because of their religious beliefs.  Mu'Ammar Ali played on athletic scholarship for the team for 3 consecutive seasons, and Anthony and Vincent Thompson joined the team on red-shirt status in 2004.  Today the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico sued Mumme, NMSU president William Flores, and the NMSU board of regents for religious discrimination and violations of the athletes’ right to freely exercise their religion.  Continued >>

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