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.

Jan 16, 2026

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.

An image showing the group of panelists at the Rethinking Public Safety town hall in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Jan 16, 2026

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.

Photo of the Roundhouse in Santa Fe
Dec 19, 2025

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.

Image of Juan holding his daughter
Dec 11, 2025

Detained Immigrants Detail Physical Abuse and Inhumane Conditions at Largest Immigration Detention Center in the U.S.

Interviews with 45 people at Fort Bliss report physical and sexual abuse, medical neglect, and intimidation to self-deport. The facility still passed an ICE inspection.

A large brown U.S. Army sign reading “Fort Bliss – Doña Ana Training Complex” stands in the foreground of a wide, open landscape. Behind it are low beige military buildings, utility poles, and a tall red-and-white checkered water tower, with mountains rising in the distance under a clear blue sky.
Oct 17, 2025

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. 

A road sign showing the Rio Arriba county line with Lybrook elementary just beyond it.
Aug 31, 2025

More Than a Yard Sign: Fighting for Free Speech in Tomé, New Mexico

When Rita Padilla-Gutiérrez posted anti-Trump signs in her yard, Valencia County threatened her with criminal prosecution at the urging of a pro-Trump county commissioner.

A photo of Rita Padilla-Gutiérrez standing in front of her sign that reads: "Trump, racist, rapist, not my president"
Aug 22, 2025

Resisting Millitarized Detention at Fort Bliss

We are living through a shameful moment in this country's history. The opening of the Fort Bliss detention camp on a military base that spans Texas and New Mexico is the latest escalation in the Trump administration's agenda of mass detention and deportation. 

Fort Bliss, U.S. Army
Aug 15, 2025

Beyond the Concrete Box: Mah-Konce Hudson’s Story

This blog is the final of a series based on interviews with three men currently held in the Penitentiary of New Mexico who are part of a class action lawsuit challenging the inhumane and unconstitutional conditions of New Mexico’s long-term solitary confinement unit.

By Lalita Moskowitz

Blue collage images of Mah-konce; a childhood picture of him with a green filter; another photo of him smiling next to someone in a purple filter
Aug 14, 2025

Beyond the Concrete Box: Gujuan Fusilier’s Story

This blog is the third of a series based on interviews with three men currently held in the Penitentiary of New Mexico who are part of a class action lawsuit challenging the inhumane and unconstitutional conditions of New Mexico’s long-term solitary confinement unit.

By Lalita Moskowitz

Dark blue collage image of GuJuan, featuring a recent photo of him along with a childhood picture in various color filters