News & Commentary
Kesley’s Legacy: Why No Detention is Safe
After three long years of litigation, the private prison company CoreCivic paid a settlement to the wrongful death estate of Kesley Vial, a 23-year-old Brazilian asylum seeker who died by suicide while in ICE custody at the Torrance County Detention Facility (TCDF) in Estancia, New Mexico, in August of 2022.
Latest Press Release
Feb 11, 2026
Don’t Turn Back: Protecting New Mexico’s Progress on Youth Justice
One‑size‑fits‑all sentencing has never produced safety, and it won’t start now.
Jan 30, 2026
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.
Jan 23, 2026
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stay Informed
Sign up to be the first to hear about how to take action.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy statement.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy statement.