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.

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."
Dec 02, 2022

Immigrant Rights Advocates Call For Investigation Into Mental Healthcare Crisis In Torrance County Detention Facility 

Immigrant rights organizations and direct legal service providers sent a letter to the ICE Health Service Corps on Friday requesting an urgent investigation into a worsening medical and mental healthcare crisis at the Torrance County Detention Facility. 

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Nov 23, 2022

“Keep Our Families Together”: A Law That Protects Native Families is at Risk

Two Native people share how the Indian Child Welfare Act impacted their lives as the law faces a challenge at the Supreme Court.

A woman holding a child.
Nov 21, 2022

Biden Administration Issues Policy Protecting Access to Abortion for Unaccompanied Immigrant Youth

We applaud this step, and urge the administration to ensure access to reproductive health care for all people in government custody.

Three women with raised fists, wearing masks with "BAN OFF OUR BODIES" printed on them and carrying a purple banner, lead other protestors at the Women's March Rally For Abortion Justice In Washington, D.C.