News & Commentary

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New Mexico Must Keep Its Promise on Civil Rights

Five years ago, New Mexico made a promise. When our state passed the New Mexico Civil Rights Act, we declared that the rights guaranteed by the New Mexico Constitution meant something.

Latest Press Release

Jul 1, 2026

Billboards Celebrate NM Civil Rights Act Fifth Anniversary

To commemorate the five-year anniversary of the New Mexico Civil Rights Act (NMCRA), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico has placed five billboards praising the landmark law across Albuquerque.
A billboard that says "The NM Civil Rights Act turns five. Justice never gets old" with a "Welcome to New Mexico" sign on it.

More from the Press

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

A graphic showing hot air ballons, a person holding their arms out towards a sunrise, and a sunset with painted clouds behind a silhouetted road sign.

The Case for Investing in New Mexico's Youth

The ACLU of New Mexico, along with partners, is prioritizing holistic solutions in juvenile justice — because we know these are the approaches that are safest and most effective for our communities.
Black-and-white photo of an LGBTQ rights picket on a tree-lined sidewalk beside a tall iron fence (near the White House). Protesters—mostly in suits and dresses—carry hand-lettered signs including “FIFTEEN MILLION U.S. HOMOSEXUALS PROTEST FEDERAL TREATMENT,” “FIRST-CLASS CITIZENSHIP FOR HOMOSEXUALS,” and “SEXUAL PREFERENCE IS IRRELEVANT TO EMPLOYMENT.” A uniformed police officer stands with hands on hips facing the group, while an ABC TV reporter in a suit holds a microphone at the curb; pedestrians walk past in the background.

Trump Administration Playbook Takes Tactics from Lavender Scare of the Cold War

A McCarthy-era effort to report LGBTQ people to the government, classify queerness as a mental disorder, and overall push queer people from public life is taking similar shape today.
Various photos representing this years legislative session including the statue of liberty, a family, and protesters.

Rising to the Moment: A Breakthrough 30‑Day Session for Civil Liberties

This year's legislative session saw ACLU of New Mexico staff, community partners, advocates, and legislative champions showed up ready to work, and ready to lead with courage.

Jul 11, 2023

ACLU NM Keeps Advocating for Torrance Closure, Immigrants’ Rights in New Mexico

The ACLU of New Mexico has continued its advocacy for the rights of immigrants in New Mexico, highlighting the dangers of high-speed vehicle pursuits by immigration enforcement officials.

By Leonardo Castañeda

A sign that says border patrol only with a border fence.
Jul 10, 2023

ACLU NM Summer Reading List: A Celebration of LGBTQIA+ Voices and Characters

In New Mexico, we respect personal freedom and are proud that our state has some of the strongest protections for LGBTQIA+ people in the country. This year's summer reading list celebrates the profound and beautiful storytelling by and of LGBTQIA+ authors and characters. 

ACLU of New Mexico Summer Reading List
Jul 06, 2023

There's a Humanitarian Crisis at Western New Mexico Correctional Facility

I’m speaking up about the horrible things I have witnessed here to try and save women’s lives.

"Things must change or women will continue to die. No one should have to live in conditions like these."
Jul 03, 2023

New Mexico’s Historic Voting Rights Victory

When the New Mexico Voting Rights Act was signed into law, there was an air of relief and gratitude for the hard work and opportunity we had been presented. For the first time in New Mexico’s modern history, voters, advocates, and elected officials will be able to collaborate meaningfully to engage more people than ever before.

VOTE
Jun 26, 2023

The Attack on Albuquerque’s Unsheltered Community

How the City of Albuquerque continues to discriminate against our unsheltered community and how they're fighting back.

By Davida Gallegos

The Attack on Albuquerque's Unsheltered COmmunity - "Criminalizing homelessness and displacing people does nothing to address its root causes."
Jun 22, 2023

Cibola High School Ruling a Breakthrough for Indigenous Students

It was such a shocking thing to happen. When the teacher cut the other student’s thick braid off, you could hear her sawing through the hair with the blades. The class was stunned.

Classroom Photo
Jun 09, 2023

Will Customs and Border Protection's Revised Vehicle Pursuit Policy Make Us Safer?

CBP vehicle pursuits have caused dozens of deaths — here’s what you need to know about the new policy.

By Rebecca Sheff

U.S. Border patrol vehicles converge with local police car by border fence.
May 02, 2023

The Sneaky Way the Police Could Abuse Their Power to Restrict Free Speech

The Supreme Court needs to hear a case out of Texas in order to protect people arrested for exercising their constitutional right to free expression and protest.

Businessman in handcuffs
May 02, 2023

911: Reimagining a System that Defaults to Dispatching Police

Emergency response systems must be revamped to equip 911 call-takers to dispatch non-police first responders.

911 digits on a mobile screen.