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.

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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.

May 28, 2025

What Is Due Process?

The Trump administration's latest attack on our rights threatens our ability to defend ourselves from injustice. We won't stand for it.

A protest with individuals holding signs in favor of due process.
Apr 30, 2025

We Are Defending Freedom in the Courts — And Still Winning

With 53 lawsuits filed against the Trump administration and counting, we will not surrender our freedoms to a lawless executive branch.

A group of demonstrators in Manhattan holding pro-democracy signage.
Apr 29, 2025

Five State and Local Entities Safeguarding Our Civil Rights

Governors, attorneys general, mayors, and other local officials are starting to vocally say no to President Donald Trump’s radical and dangerous agenda. Here’s why their roles are so crucial for our democracy and the state of civil liberties today.

A backward view of protesters.
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. 

KimApodaca
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