News & Commentary

Kesley Vial

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

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.

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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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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.
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.

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.