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.

Jun 13, 2022

ACLU Repro Rights Community Engagement Strategist Talks About the Status of Repro Rights in New Mexico

In this interview, we sat down with ACLU of New Mexico Community Engagement Specialist Dakota Waterson to get the run-down on reproductive rights across the country and New Mexico.

Protesters marching in Washington, DC, and carrying signs saying Abortion Is An Unalienable Human Right.
Jun 07, 2022

Border Patrol is Investigating Itself Following Deaths, Report Reveals

In a vehicle pursuit that killed our client’s son, a newly-uncovered report shows Border Patrol’s unauthorized, conflict-ridden Critical Incident Team are the lead investigators.

By Rebecca Sheff, ACLU National

An ACLU client looking at family photos.
May 17, 2022

Impending Threat of Abortion Criminalization Brings New Urgency to the Fight for Digital Privacy

As the Supreme Court nears a ruling that could allow abortion to be criminalized by politicians, privacy activists and lawmakers must shift our approach in the states.

By ACLU National

A protest sign that reads “My Body, My Business.”
May 13, 2022

Advocacy Groups Submit Records Requests Seeking Transparency in Troubled Torrance Detention Center

A government watchdog called on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to immediately remove all people detained in the Torrance detention center

By ACLU-NM

A screenshot of surveillance video taken shortly before men detained at the Torrance County were pepper sprayed for engaging in a peaceful hunger strike protesting conditions at the facility. Surveillance and lapel video was obtained by NMILC and ACLU fro
May 12, 2022

Six Ways You Can Join the Fight for Abortion Rights

This is a perilous moment for our rights, but there are still ways to take action to support and protect abortion rights

By ACLU National

Protesters at an abortion rights rally in Washington DC.
May 11, 2022

To See the Future of Roe, Look to the States

We don’t know what the final opinion will look like, but here’s what we do know about abortion access nationwide.

By ACLU National

Protesters marching in Washington, DC, and carrying signs saying Abortion Is An Unalienable Human Right.
May 09, 2022

The Roe Draft Signals a Potential New Front in the Already-Raging War Against the LGBTQ Community

This isn’t a “they’re coming for us next” moment. They’ve already come for us, and the fight of our lives is here.

By ACLU National

Demonstrators with pro-abortion-and-LGBTQ signage.
Apr 26, 2022

You Have the Right to Record Law Enforcement Officers — Including at the Border

In a landmark settlement, the federal government was forced to concede that there is no border exception to this First Amendment right.

By ACLU National

A flag sits just north of a new section of the US-Mexico border structure
Apr 25, 2022

Trump’s Remain in Mexico Policy is at the Supreme Court. Here’s What's at Stake.

The Biden administration should be empowered to reject Trump-era policies and adopt those it believes are in the public interest.

By ACLU National

A migrant leans on a fence of the Gateway International Bridge that connects downtown Matamoros, Mexico with Brownsville, Texas.