An image showing the group of panelists at the Rethinking Public Safety town hall in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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.

Latest Press Release


Driver Privacy and Safety Act (SB 40) Passed by the Senate

Today, the New Mexico Senate passed the Driver Privacy and Safety Act, bringing the state closer to protecting New Mexicans’ location data from being weaponized for immigration enforcement, constitutionally protected activities, or to track people seeking legal healthcare.
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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

Photo of the Roundhouse in Santa Fe

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.
Image of Juan holding his daughter

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.
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. 

ACLU-NM Staff Recaps the 2019 Legislative Session

The ACLU of New Mexico hosted a live stream on Monday morning discussing the 2019 legislative session in New Mexico. 

ACLU Staff Leg Session

Transgender Day of Visibility

March 31 is transgender day of visibility, a day to celebrate transgender people and raise awareness of the discrimination so many face.

Trans Day of Visibility

Expungement Law Right for Formerly Incarcerated

Like many New Mexicans, I live with felony convictions dating back decades. Slightly more than 20 years ago, an Albuquerque police officer arrested me for taking an end table off of my neighbor’s sun porch and charged me with residential burglary — a third degree felony. I pleaded guilty and the judge sentenced me to 18 months in prison followed by five years of probation and two years of parole.

By Barron Jones

erasers

Setting the Record Straight on Expungement

This bill gets at some of the most important tools for fighting recidivism: access to good jobs, safe housing, and educational opportunities.

By Paul Haidle

The word conviction being erased

Elaine Maestas speaks out

Elisha’s family was counting on Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) deputies to help her. Instead, they killed her.28-year-old Elisha Lucero’s mental health had declined since undergoing major brain surgery earlier in the year, and on July 21 her family called 911 after she began exhibiting erratic and dangerous behavior. They just wanted the first responders to escort her to the hospital for treatment. Instead, the responding deputies needlessly escalated the situation and shot her 21 times.

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Albuquerque Journal Gets It Wrong: SB 196 Would Create Clarity, Not Chaos With Law Enforcement

Why creating a bright line between local police and federal immigration agents, would be a boon for law and order — not a cause for chaos.

By Peter Simonson

ICE

Governor Does Right by New Mexico's Border Towns

New Mexico has enjoyed a rare moment in the national spotlight as Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham broke through walls both literal and metaphorical in a recent viral campaign ad she released earlier this month, shortly after announcing she would withdraw most of the National Guard troops ordered to the border by President Donald Trump last year.What was important about this moment for New Mexicans, e

By Nia Rucker

southern border

No Solace in Solitary: It’s Long Past Time to Reform New Mexico’s Over-Reliance On A Brutal Practice

Kelly Garcia left Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center nearly six years ago, but sometimes, in her dreams, she finds herself back in a familiar cell. She’s trapped by the same four concrete walls and that same long lonely silence which was pierced only by the occasional cries of inmates worn down by solitude.

By Katie Hoeppner

Kelly Garcia at New Mexico State Capitol.

Susan's Story - #WillNotBeErased

All too often, transgender people face discrimination in employment. Even with some legal protections in place, trans people like Susan face the prospect of unemployment and discrimination when coming out at work.

Susan's Story - #WillNotBeErased