News & Commentary

Two signs that read "We build this country together" and "our families have no borders"

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.

Latest Press Release

Mar 19, 2026

CoreCivic Pays Settlement to Estate of 23-Year-Old Asylum Seeker Who Died in Torrance County Detention Facility

The case addressed the TCDF’s systemic failures in its mental health care and CoreCivic’s extreme negligence, which resulted in Kesley Vial’s tragic and preventable death.

More from the Press

Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

A house with ristras hanging on the porch in New Mexico.

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.

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.

Mar 26, 2025

2025 Legislative Wrap-up

As the dust settles on an incredibly challenging legislative session, we wanted to share our collective work over the past 60 days.

By Lena Weber

Stylized image of the Roundhouse in Santa Fe, NM

Feb 13, 2025

A Voice for the Voiceless

This poem was presented at End Mass Incarceration Day during the New Mexico Legislative Session by Adam Griego, who was formerly incarcerated, at the Roundhouse.

Adam Griego cuddles with his grandson on a velvet couch

Feb 11, 2025

Loving Them Through Every Mistake

Hello community, my name is Kimberly Apodaca. I am a native New Mexican and a mother of a son who is currently incarcerated in the Department of Corrections, doing a 10-year sentence.

Oct 15, 2024

Disguising Punishment As Treatment Won’t Make Us Safe

To build a truly safe world, we need investments in healing, not new forms of harm.

By Denali Wilson

An overhead view of a solitary jail cell with a single metal bed frame and a thin mattress. The cell includes a basic toilet and sink, all enclosed within the bare, confined space, evoking a stark and austere atmosphere.

Jul 17, 2024

Watch: Briefing on the Special Legislative Session

The special legislative session on public safety starts tomorrow, with many harmful bills proposed by the governor. The proposals threaten the rights, dignity, health, and autonomy of New Mexicans across our state.

A video thumbnail showing a shot of our panelists in the live briefing.

Jul 16, 2024

The Special Session Won’t Make Communities Safer. A Conversation with ACLU-NM Experts.

Read our Q&A with ACLU-NM policy and legal staff working to safeguard your rights at the Roundhouse.

By Nayomi Valdez, Daniel Williams, Denali Wilson

Banner image of the interior chamber of the Roundhouse with yellow text over it that reads: New Mexicans Deserve Real Solutions

Feb 27, 2024

2024 Legislative Session Round-up

How we successfully fought for true public safety investments and laid the groundwork for future justice initiatives.

By Nayomi Valdez

Feb 08, 2024

We Must Dismantle the System of Mass Incarceration

There is no research to support the idea that mass incarceration makes our communities any safer. On the contrary, it is destroying families, our society, and has dire economic consequences.

Feb 02, 2024

Rebuilding Lives, Not Prisons

I implore each one of you to care deeply about our fellow human beings, our community, and our children. Let us not lose sight of our shared humanity.

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