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.

Aug 04, 2022

Despite SCOTUS Ruling, the Biden Administration Can Prevent a Reversion to Trump's Deportation Machine

While a memo from DHS Secretary Mayorkas is in legal limbo, the administration should still take action to protect immigrant communities.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, second from right, looks up along with U.S Border Patrol agents as a drone flies overhead as he tours a section of the border wall Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in Hidalgo, Texas.
Jul 21, 2022

Navajo Voters Deserve Fair Representation in San Juan County, So We Sued

San Juan County passed a redistricting map that violated the rights of Navajo voters. We filed a lawsuit along with partner organizations for new and fair maps.

By Leonardo Castañeda

Navajo Voters header image.
Jul 18, 2022

New Records Detail DHS Purchase and Use of Vast Quantities of Cell Phone Location Data

Thousands of previously unreleased records illustrate how government agencies sidestep our Fourth Amendment rights.

A photo of three cell phone towers in front of a sunset.
Jul 15, 2022

The Inhumane Conditions at MDC Are A Result of Over-Incarceration

Time and time again, we have watched and read news reports that provide a glimpse into the deplorable conditions behind the walls of MDC. A stubborn reliance on mass-incarceration is the reason why.

By Barron Jones, Lalita Moskowitz

"In truth, the conditions at MDC represent an over-incarceration crisis..."
Jul 06, 2022

Supreme Court Ruling Rejects the Promise of Miranda Rights

While the decision in Vega v. Tekoh doesn’t reduce the obligation of police to issue Miranda warnings, it eliminates a critical avenue for justice.

A close shot of a police officer putting handcuffs on someone.
Jun 27, 2022

Four Things to Know About the Supreme Court's Ruling in Egbert v. Boule

The Supreme Court's ruling in Egbert v. Boule is a blow to federal police accountability, but border residents still have rights.

By ACLU National

A U.S. Border Patrol vehicle sits parked in front of a crowd of people peering through the U.S.-Mexico border fence in San Diego.
Jun 24, 2022

With Roe Overturned, What Comes Next for Abortion Rights?

The impact of the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning Roe v. Wade will be devastating. Here’s what comes next.

Pro-abortion signage in front of the Supreme Court.
Jun 22, 2022

Clifton White Doesn't Need Your Sympathy

Clifton White spent years in and out of prisons, eventually becoming a “jailhouse lawyer,” husband, father and finally community leader, whose activism would once again land him behind bars.

By Davida Gallegos

Photo of Clifton White holding a "free Clifton White" poster
Jun 17, 2022

Trans Joy Is Most Necessary When It Feels the Most Impossible

When forces larger than us try to break our spirit, we can respond as forcefully and effectively with joy as we can with anger, defiance, and protest.

By ACLU National

Trans activists march at the Black Transnational Rally with a rainbow flag in the West Village of Manhattan.