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.

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.
Black-and-white photo of an LGBTQ rights picket on a tree-lined sidewalk beside a tall iron fence (near the White House). Protesters—mostly in suits and dresses—carry hand-lettered signs including “FIFTEEN MILLION U.S. HOMOSEXUALS PROTEST FEDERAL TREATMENT,” “FIRST-CLASS CITIZENSHIP FOR HOMOSEXUALS,” and “SEXUAL PREFERENCE IS IRRELEVANT TO EMPLOYMENT.” A uniformed police officer stands with hands on hips facing the group, while an ABC TV reporter in a suit holds a microphone at the curb; pedestrians walk past in the background.

Trump Administration Playbook Takes Tactics from Lavender Scare of the Cold War

A McCarthy-era effort to report LGBTQ people to the government, classify queerness as a mental disorder, and overall push queer people from public life is taking similar shape today.
Various photos representing this years legislative session including the statue of liberty, a family, and protesters.

Rising to the Moment: A Breakthrough 30‑Day Session for Civil Liberties

This year's legislative session saw ACLU of New Mexico staff, community partners, advocates, and legislative champions showed up ready to work, and ready to lead with courage.

Aug 13, 2025

Beyond the Concrete Box: O'Shay Toney’s Story

This blog is the second 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 collage image of O'Shay Toney pictured with his mother. Another image of O'Shay when he was a child is pictured behind it.
Aug 12, 2025

Rebecca Sheff Breaks Down Trump’s Immigration Policies and What They Mean for New Mexico

In this interview, Rebecca Sheff, senior staff attorney specializing in immigrants’ rights, discusses how the administration’s policies have uniquely impacted New Mexico...

By Carla Palacios

Photo of U.S.-Mexico border
Aug 12, 2025

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

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.
Aug 06, 2025

Trump's Birthright Citizenship Executive Order: What Happens Next

Children born to parents who are undocumented or have temporary status will retain their right to birthright citizenship. The ACLU explains how the legal fight unfolded.

A demonstrator looks up at her sign (which reads "Citizenship is a Birthright") during a rally outside the Supreme court building demanding the court uphold the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Aug 04, 2025

Your Questions Answered: The Supreme Court's Impact On Our Rights

The court's rulings—and its shifting procedures—signal lasting threats to civil liberties.

Pro-choice demonstrators (whose faces and signs are blurred) march in front of the Supreme Court and the statement on its facade, "Equal justice under law".
Jun 03, 2025

In This Together: Shaping the Future of Civil Rights in New Mexico

Leon Howard officially steps into the role of Executive Director of the ACLU of New Mexico.

By Leon Howard

Photo of Leon Howard
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.