Two signs that read "We build this country together" and "our families have no borders"

A New Phase in Civil Liberties Advocacy: Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going

For decades, the ACLU of New Mexico has worked alongside communities to defend civil liberties and expand the promise of the constitution. Today, with fundamental freedoms under intensifying attack and the stakes for our democracy higher than ever, that work has never been more urgent.

Latest Press Release


CoreCivic Pays Settlement to Estate of 23-Year-Old Asylum Seeker Who Died in Torrance County Detention Facility

The case addressed the TCDF’s systemic failures in its mental health care and CoreCivic’s extreme negligence, which resulted in Kesley Vial’s tragic and preventable death.
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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

A house with ristras hanging on the porch in New Mexico.

The 2026 Legislative Session: Creating A Firewall for Freedom in New Mexico

As we approach the 2026 legislative session, our nation is facing unprecedented threats to our fundamental freedoms. But we aren’t powerless against these attacks.
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.

Turning Tragedy to Hope: A Mother's Mission for Change

I believe in rehabilitation and second chances. I’ve learned that it is crucial to address the root causes of incidents like these.

By

Turning Tragedy into Hope

Five Ways 'Tough on Crime' Fails New Mexico Families

"Tough on Crime" policies can actually increase the chances that people will turn to criminalized behavior, creating the opposite of the intended effect. 

By Nayomi Valdez

How tough on crime fails new mexico families

Juvenile Justice in New Mexico: One Step Forward, Three Steps Back

We must view children’s behavior and (perceived) misbehavior objectively; we must be honest about where these problems stem from, begin to question the institutions that exist that perpetuate them, and be willing to reimagine what community safety looks like.

By Carla Palacios

bill sponsors and advocates during the final floor debate on SB64 in the 2023 legislative session

Crime Survivors Want Smart Justice

Our elected leaders must be brave enough to invest in the infrastructure needed to pursue evidence-based solutions known to improve public safety outcomes and abandon, once and for all, failed and outdated policies that create new crimes and increase existing penalties.

By Barron Jones

People not Prisons

Too Many Policymakers Pushing for Over-Policing, Longer Sentences and Increased Incarceration

We challenge the Lujan Grisham administration and all policymakers to rise to the occasion and commit to equal if not greater investments in meaningful, evidence-based diversion and treatment programs that allow for education, rehabilitation, housing, and economic dignity to be achieved.

By Nayomi Valdez

People not Prisons

We Have An Ambitious Agenda for the 2023 Legislative Session

The most recent elections have made clear that New Mexicans are ready to move forward with a more progressive agenda rooted in justice, equity, and liberty. Here are more details on our 2023 legislative priorities.

By Peter Simonson

New Mexico Roundhouse

Hidden Taxes Don't Belong Anywhere, Least of All in Our Justice System

Fees in the justice system trap far too many people in a vicious cycle of debt and punishment. A burgeoning movement in states across the country is tackling this problem head-on.

A judges' gavel on a U.S. dollar cash background, top view, close-up.

Supreme Court Ruling Rejects the Promise of Miranda Rights

While the decision in Vega v. Tekoh doesn’t reduce the obligation of police to issue Miranda warnings, it eliminates a critical avenue for justice.

A close shot of a police officer putting handcuffs on someone.

Clifton White Doesn't Need Your Sympathy

Clifton White spent years in and out of prisons, eventually becoming a “jailhouse lawyer,” husband, father and finally community leader, whose activism would once again land him behind bars.

By Davida Gallegos

Photo of Clifton White holding a "free Clifton White" poster