News & Commentary

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. 

Latest Press Release

Dec 18, 2025

Wrongful Death Case of Kesley Vial, 23-Year-Old Brazilian Asylum Seeker, Goes to Trial in New Mexico

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

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

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.

By

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

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

Stylized image of plantiffs in front of a dark green background, a silhouette of a man sitting down on pavement looking distressed is centered in the photo stylized in green.

Beyond the Concrete Box: Human Stories from Solitary

This blog is the first of a series based on interviews with Mah-konce Hudson, GuJuan Fusilier, and O'Shay Toney, who are currently held in the Penitentiary of New Mexico.

By Lalita Moskowitz

Jun 21, 2021

New Census Bureau Data Offers a Chance to Dismantle Prison Gerrymandering

With a new round of redistricting set to take place, states like New Mexico have a chance to end a practice that has long distorted our democracy.

The cover of the US Census form
Jun 17, 2021

Pride is a story about our interconnected struggle for liberation

Before coming out as transgender, I always saw Pride as an over-the-top and insanely fun celebration of humanity’s best quality: love. 

By Raychel Sanner

Pride
Jun 16, 2021

Elaine’s Journey: Life-Altering Loss and the Fight for Justice

An Interview with ACLU-NM Police Accountability Strategist Elaine Maestas

Elaine Maestas
Jun 10, 2021

Restoring a Humane Approach to Asylum is a Moral Imperative

By welcoming families fleeing persecution while also investing in neighboring countries, we can strengthen our own economy while charting our common future together.

By Peter Simonson

Restoring a Humane Approach to Asylum is a Moral Imperative
Jun 04, 2021

Wrongly Accused

How sloppy police work put an innocent young woman behind bars.

By Katie Hoeppner

Gisell Estrada
Jun 02, 2021

Leading Justice Forward

Our most ambitious legislative session yet.

By Katie Hoeppner

Leading Justice Forward: Our most ambitious legislative session yet
May 28, 2021

Webinar: A Discussion on a More Humane Approach to the Border

On May 25, 2021 we hosted a special event featuring speakers from the ACLU and partner organizations to discuss how we can chart a more humane path forward on border policy.

Special Event: A discussion on a more humane approach to the border.
May 14, 2021

On The Anniversary of Guards Pepper-spraying Asylum Seekers Held At Torrance Facility For Protesting Lack of COVID-19 Precautions, We Seek Legal Justice

A year ago, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, asylum seekers held at the privately-run immigrant detention center in Estancia, New Mexico were brutally attacked with pepper spray by guards.

By Nadia Cabrera-Mazzeo

Screen shot of pepper-spraying incident at TCDF
Mar 11, 2021

The New Mexico Civil Rights Act could help stamp out sexual abuse in state prisons

For too long, qualified immunity has shielded bad actors from liability and prevented survivors of abuse from seeking justice. But we can change that.

By Lalita Moskowitz

For too long, qualified immunity has shielded bad actors from liability and prevented survivors of abuse from seeking justice. But we can change that.