News & Commentary

Kesley Vial

Kesley’s Legacy: Why No Detention is Safe

After three long years of litigation, the private prison company CoreCivic paid a settlement to the wrongful death estate of Kesley Vial, a 23-year-old Brazilian asylum seeker who died by suicide while in ICE custody at the Torrance County Detention Facility (TCDF) in Estancia, New Mexico, in August of 2022.

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.

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

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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.
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.

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.
Apr 28, 2023

National Crisis in Policing Awaits United Nations Delegation

U.N. experts must produce an objective roadmap of recommendations that will radically reform law enforcement.

The United Nations Human Rights Council during a meeting at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
Mar 30, 2023

Here's How New Mexico is Leading the Way for Voting Rights

In the face of federal inaction, New Mexican lawmakers are stepping up to enshrine voter protections in law.

The floor of the rotunda in New Mexico's Capitol building.
Mar 13, 2023

Three Years Later, COVID-19 is Still a Threat to People Who Are Incarcerated

Mass incarceration created a foreseeable disaster.

People hold up a banner saying "No Execution by Covid-19."
Feb 20, 2023

How to Support Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Care in New Mexico This Legislative Session

It’s critical that legislators hear from New Mexicans like you who support bodily autonomy in our state.

Protect abortion access
Jan 27, 2023

We Have An Ambitious Agenda for the 2023 Legislative Session

The most recent elections have made clear that New Mexicans are ready to move forward with a more progressive agenda rooted in justice, equity, and liberty. Here are more details on our 2023 legislative priorities.

By Peter Simonson

New Mexico Roundhouse
Dec 19, 2022

Your Guide to Discussing the Right to Seek Asylum at the Dinner Table

The fight to protect the human and legal right to seek asylum in the U.S. is at a critical juncture. Here’s how to talk about it with friends and family.

A sign reading "Dignity for Migrants."