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. 

Smart Justice: Opening Doors and Breaking Down Barriers

On June 29, Franky Gonzales left the Bernalillo County Clerk’s office with tears streaming down his face.

By Barron Jones

Rory Wolf at the July BBQ hosted by Smart Justice NM in Albuquerque.

In Harm's Way

As renowned Native American artist Mateo Romero drove along Old Santa Fe Trail on a hot July day, he couldn’t have imagined that he’d soon be lying face down on the ground with a rifle pointed at his head.

By Katie Hoeppner

Mateo Romero working in his studio.

Hope in a Grim Environment

It was mid-May and Ramadan was just beginning. For weeks prior, Tremaine was consumed with worry that he and his friends would be denied participation in the holy month, a time when Muslims deepen their faith through fasting and communal prayer.

By Katie Hoeppner

Tremaine praying alongside fellow inmates

From the Desk of Executive Director Peter Simonson

First Merrick Garland’s stolen seat, now Kennedy’s retirement. It’s a one-two gut punch that has left those of us who treasure the cause of freedom and equality deeply distressed about the direction that the U.S. Supreme Court will almost certainly take for the better part of a generation. Assuming that Trump’s pick for Kennedy’s replacement, Judge Brett Kavanaugh, is confirmed by the Republican-held Senate, the court will have a clear 5-4 majority of justices who are likely to be consistently hostile to reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, privacy rights, immigrants’ rights, and the plight of the poor.

By Peter Simonson

photo of a a man from the shoulders up wearing a blue shirt, tie, and black jacket

Cruelty Without Boundary: Inside the Family Separation Crisis

"The agents didn’t say anything about where they were going to take my son,” said Samuel*, from behind a glass partition. “They just took him away. And then they told me I was going to jail. I’ve never been to jail. This has never happened before.”

By Kristin Greer Love

Young child grabbing his parent's leg, crying

Open to the Public Still Means Open to All

An Interview with ACLU-NM Attorney Erin Armstrong on the Supreme Court’s Decision in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado

US Supreme Court

Paul Haidle on Smart Justice

"I believe that there can be no reconciliation without admitting hard truths about the roots of our criminal justice system..."

Paul Haidle

A Chance For Change: Ideas for criminal justice reform in New Mexico are stewing this summer ahead of next year's legislative session

Nine years after his release from prison, Barron Jones has become a leading advocate for criminal justice reform in New Mexico.

Barron Jones

Constitutional Rights Are Not the Enemy of Public Safety

It was a waking nightmare for Joy Morales. For 49 days, she languished behind bars in two separate states for a crime she didn’t commit. She could easily prove it wasn’t her, but no one would listen.

By Katie Hoeppner

US Constitution