News & Commentary

Aug 08, 2022

'They Treat Us Like We're Animals:' Inside Torrance County's Troubled Detention Center

People detained at the Torrance County Detention Facility describe unsanitary and decrepit conditions that they say make it the worst facility in the state

By Leonardo Castañeda

A screenshot of surveillance video taken shortly before men detained at the Torrance County were pepper sprayed for engaging in a peaceful hunger strike protesting conditions at the facility. Surveillance and lapel video was obtained by NMILC and ACLU fro
Aug 04, 2022

Despite SCOTUS Ruling, the Biden Administration Can Prevent a Reversion to Trump's Deportation Machine

While a memo from DHS Secretary Mayorkas is in legal limbo, the administration should still take action to protect immigrant communities.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, second from right, looks up along with U.S Border Patrol agents as a drone flies overhead as he tours a section of the border wall Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in Hidalgo, Texas.
Jun 07, 2022

Border Patrol is Investigating Itself Following Deaths, Report Reveals

In a vehicle pursuit that killed our client’s son, a newly-uncovered report shows Border Patrol’s unauthorized, conflict-ridden Critical Incident Team are the lead investigators.

By Rebecca Sheff, ACLU National

An ACLU client looking at family photos.
May 13, 2022

Advocacy Groups Submit Records Requests Seeking Transparency in Troubled Torrance Detention Center

A government watchdog called on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to immediately remove all people detained in the Torrance detention center

By ACLU-NM

A screenshot of surveillance video taken shortly before men detained at the Torrance County were pepper sprayed for engaging in a peaceful hunger strike protesting conditions at the facility. Surveillance and lapel video was obtained by NMILC and ACLU fro
Apr 25, 2022

Trump’s Remain in Mexico Policy is at the Supreme Court. Here’s What's at Stake.

The Biden administration should be empowered to reject Trump-era policies and adopt those it believes are in the public interest.

By ACLU National

A migrant leans on a fence of the Gateway International Bridge that connects downtown Matamoros, Mexico with Brownsville, Texas.
Mar 22, 2022

Five Things to Know About the Title 42 Immigrant Expulsion Policy

Since March 2020, the government has misused the order to kick out people seeking asylum more than 1.7 million times.

By Leonardo Castañeda, Katie Hoeppner

Billboard saying "It's past time to end the Trump-era policies at the border"
Feb 11, 2022

COVID cases are exploding at an ICE detention center in New Mexico

There have been 242 new COVID-19 cases at the Otero County Processing Center so far this year.

By Leonardo Castañeda

The Otero County Prison Facility, in Chaparral, New Mexico, operated by Management and Training Corp (MTC)
Jan 13, 2022

Internal Border Patrol checkpoints threaten New Mexico’s cannabis equity goals

The checkpoints could hinder the participation of businesses in Southern New Mexico in the state's legal cannabis industry.

By Leonardo Castañeda

Interior Border Checkpoints Threaten New Mexico's Cannabis Equity Goals
Dec 27, 2021

Failed Inspections, Understaffing, and Big Profits

How private immigrant detention centers in New Mexico benefited during the pandemic.

By Leonardo Castañeda

Failed inspections, big profits