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.

Latest Press Release


Driver Privacy and Safety Act (SB 40) Passed by the Senate

Today, the New Mexico Senate passed the Driver Privacy and Safety Act, bringing the state closer to protecting New Mexicans’ location data from being weaponized for immigration enforcement, constitutionally protected activities, or to track people seeking legal healthcare.
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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

Photo of the Roundhouse in Santa Fe

Previewing The Fight for Freedom, Safety, and Privacy at the Roundhouse

As we approach the start of this year’s legislative session on January 20th, our fundamental freedoms are under unprecedented attack nationwide. During this challenging time, we are ready to fight for the rights and freedoms of all New Mexicans.
Image of Juan holding his daughter

A New Mexican Father Was Ripped Away From His Family After This New Mexico Agency Illegally Coordinated With ICE

Juan Lamas Aguilar has been held at the Torrance County Detention Facility since July 10.
A road sign showing the Rio Arriba county line with Lybrook elementary just beyond it.

Locked Out: When School Boards Exclude Native Representation

At a small school district in northwestern New Mexico, many Navajo parents cannot run for local school board or vote in the school district’s elections where their children go to school. 

My Life Was Derailed By a Traffic Ticket

A minor infraction cost me my driver’s license, my job, thousands of dollars, and over a decade entangled with a system that punishes poverty.

By ACLU National

Traffic violation on a windshield.

ICE found multiple contract violations at troubled Otero County detention center shortly before extending a lucrative private contract

The Otero County Processing Center was cited for violations including an inadequate staffing plan, inadequate food service staffing, abuse of the “Voluntary Work Program,” lack of a safety plan, and more.

By Leonardo Castañeda

Otero County Processing Center Photo

Everywhere Is The New Local

Rabbi Jeffrey and his wife Mindy have long been committed to giving back to their community. In the midst of a global pandemic, an ugly election, and an insurrection, that commitment only intensified. They set out to travel the United States in an RV they named Seymour to listen and learn...

Rabbi Jeffrey and Mindy

Border militarization separates families and erodes civil liberties

It’s past time we eliminate interior border checkpoints and drastically reduce the number of Border Patrol agents in the region.

By Maria Coronado

Warning no trespassing. Restricted area keep out. Authorized personnel only. U.S. Customs and Border protection sign.

A privately-run ICE detention center got a pay increase, guaranteed minimum during pandemic detention declines

The private prison company running Otero County's immigration detention center got a new agreement guaranteeing nearly $2 million a month after threatening to cancel its contract over low detention numbers.

By Leonardo Castañeda

Prison Hallway

Otero County claims ICE facility can't be closed due to bond debt. Experts disagree.

An Otero County official said closing a controversial ICE facility would leave taxpayers responsible for tens of millions in bond debt, but an expert review of financial documents paint a markedly different picture.

By Leonardo Castañeda

Otero County Processing Center Photo

Medication Denied

A woman was denied life-saving medicine by the New Mexico Corrections Department, so we sued.

By Katie Hoeppner

Medication Denied - Photo of a stethoscope

More of the Same: Private Prison Corporations and Immigration Detention Under the Biden Administration

The Biden administration is filling private prison beds emptied out by its own Executive Order with immigrant detainees.

By ACLU National

Empty cell at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison.

A Second Chance at Life

The fight to end juvenile life without parole in New Mexico.

By Davida Gallegos

A Second Chance at Life