News & Commentary

A road sign showing the Rio Arriba county line with Lybrook elementary just beyond it.

Locked Out: When School Boards Exclude Native Representation

At a small school district in northwestern New Mexico, many Navajo parents cannot run for local school board or vote in the school district’s elections where their children go to school. 

Latest Press Release

Oct 16, 2025

People Incarcerated in Doña Ana County Jail Sue Over Violent Paramilitary Tactics and Inhumane Treatment 

Six people who were held at the Doña Ana County Detention Center (DACDC) filed a lawsuit today seeking to end the jail's practice of conducting violent, unwarranted paramilitary training operations on incarcerated people.
Body camera footage from March 8, 2025, when such training operations took place at DACDC. Various officers, masked and armed, are seen running into the quiet cells in the middle of the night.

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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

A photo of Rita Padilla-Gutiérrez standing in front of her sign that reads: "Trump, racist, rapist, not my president"

More Than a Yard Sign: Fighting for Free Speech in Tomé, New Mexico

When Rita Padilla-Gutiérrez posted anti-Trump signs in her yard, Valencia County threatened her with criminal prosecution at the urging of a pro-Trump county commissioner.

By Rita-Padilla Gutiérrez

Dark blue collage image of GuJuan, featuring a recent photo of him along with a childhood picture in various color filters

Beyond the Concrete Box: Gujuan Fusilier’s Story

This blog is the third of a series based on interviews with three men currently held in the Penitentiary of New Mexico who are part of a class action lawsuit challenging the inhumane and unconstitutional conditions of New Mexico’s long-term solitary confinement unit.

By Lalita Moskowitz

Stylized image of plantiffs in front of a dark green background, a silhouette of a man sitting down on pavement looking distressed is centered in the photo stylized in green.

Beyond the Concrete Box: Human Stories from Solitary

This blog is the first of a series based on interviews with Mah-konce Hudson, GuJuan Fusilier, and O'Shay Toney, who are currently held in the Penitentiary of New Mexico.

By Lalita Moskowitz

Aug 15, 2025

Beyond the Concrete Box: Mah-Konce Hudson’s Story

This blog is the final of a series based on interviews with three men currently held in the Penitentiary of New Mexico who are part of a class action lawsuit challenging the inhumane and unconstitutional conditions of New Mexico’s long-term solitary confinement unit.

By Lalita Moskowitz

Blue collage images of Mah-konce; a childhood picture of him with a green filter; another photo of him smiling next to someone in a purple filter
Aug 13, 2025

Beyond the Concrete Box: O'Shay Toney’s Story

This blog is the second of a series based on interviews with three men currently held in the Penitentiary of New Mexico who are part of a class action lawsuit challenging the inhumane and unconstitutional conditions of New Mexico’s long-term solitary confinement unit. 

By Lalita Moskowitz

Stylized collage image of O'Shay Toney pictured with his mother. Another image of O'Shay when he was a child is pictured behind it.
Aug 12, 2025

Rebecca Sheff Breaks Down Trump’s Immigration Policies and What They Mean for New Mexico

In this interview, Rebecca Sheff, senior staff attorney specializing in immigrants’ rights, discusses how the administration’s policies have uniquely impacted New Mexico...

By Carla Palacios

Photo of U.S.-Mexico border
Aug 06, 2025

Trump's Birthright Citizenship Executive Order: What Happens Next

Children born to parents who are undocumented or have temporary status will retain their right to birthright citizenship. The ACLU explains how the legal fight unfolded.

A demonstrator looks up at her sign (which reads "Citizenship is a Birthright") during a rally outside the Supreme court building demanding the court uphold the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Aug 04, 2025

Your Questions Answered: The Supreme Court's Impact On Our Rights

The court's rulings—and its shifting procedures—signal lasting threats to civil liberties.

Pro-choice demonstrators (whose faces and signs are blurred) march in front of the Supreme Court and the statement on its facade, "Equal justice under law".
Jun 03, 2025

In This Together: Shaping the Future of Civil Rights in New Mexico

Leon Howard officially steps into the role of Executive Director of the ACLU of New Mexico.

By Leon Howard

Photo of Leon Howard
May 28, 2025

What Is Due Process?

The Trump administration's latest attack on our rights threatens our ability to defend ourselves from injustice. We won't stand for it.

A protest with individuals holding signs in favor of due process.
Apr 30, 2025

We Are Defending Freedom in the Courts — And Still Winning

With 53 lawsuits filed against the Trump administration and counting, we will not surrender our freedoms to a lawless executive branch.

A group of demonstrators in Manhattan holding pro-democracy signage.
Apr 29, 2025

Five State and Local Entities Safeguarding Our Civil Rights

Governors, attorneys general, mayors, and other local officials are starting to vocally say no to President Donald Trump’s radical and dangerous agenda. Here’s why their roles are so crucial for our democracy and the state of civil liberties today.

A backward view of protesters.