News & Commentary

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.

Latest Press Release

Mar 19, 2026

CoreCivic Pays Settlement to Estate of 23-Year-Old Asylum Seeker Who Died in Torrance County Detention Facility

The case addressed the TCDF’s systemic failures in its mental health care and CoreCivic’s extreme negligence, which resulted in Kesley Vial’s tragic and preventable death.
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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

Two signs that read "We build this country together" and "our families have no borders"

A New Phase in Civil Liberties Advocacy: Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going

For decades, the ACLU of New Mexico has worked alongside communities to defend civil liberties and expand the promise of the constitution. Today, with fundamental freedoms under intensifying attack and the stakes for our democracy higher than ever, that work has never been more urgent.
A house with ristras hanging on the porch in New Mexico.

The 2026 Legislative Session: Creating A Firewall for Freedom in New Mexico

As we approach the 2026 legislative session, our nation is facing unprecedented threats to our fundamental freedoms. But we aren’t powerless against these attacks.
An image showing the group of panelists at the Rethinking Public Safety town hall in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Rethinking Public Safety Town Hall

The ACLU of New Mexico and the All Safe New Mexico Coalition came together on January 15 for a powerful “Rethinking Public Safety” Town Hall.
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.
Oct 13, 2022

The US Government Gave Them Protection. Now It May Take It Away.

People with TPS humanitarian status call on Biden to take action.

A compelation photo of the TPS holders.
Oct 06, 2022

Hidden Taxes Don't Belong Anywhere, Least of All in Our Justice System

Fees in the justice system trap far too many people in a vicious cycle of debt and punishment. A burgeoning movement in states across the country is tackling this problem head-on.

A judges' gavel on a U.S. dollar cash background, top view, close-up.
Oct 04, 2022

Midterm Elections: How These Offices Impact Your Rights

Elected officials don’t have the final say when it comes to our rights — we do. Let the ACLU help you step into your power at the ballot box!

A red background containing white and gold stars, a large image of a hand with pen filling out a voting slip, white arrows, fill-in bubbles and the Capitol building.
Sep 28, 2022

How to Navigate Mental Health Apps That May Share Your Data

As period-tracking apps draw scrutiny, we should also consider how a broader array of health apps may intrude on our privacy.

Image of Talkspace app on a smartphone on a white background.
Sep 21, 2022

Newly Released Video Show NMCD Guards Looking on as Person in Custody Is Assaulted

Surveillance video from the Central New Mexico Corrections Facility in Los Lunas show guards standing by as an incarcerated man is brutally attacked, raising troubling concerns about the well-being of people in the custody of the New Mexico Corrections Department.

By Barron Jones

A prison guard watches as a person is assaulted in CNMCF.