News & Commentary

Kesley’s Legacy: Why No Detention is Safe

After three long years of litigation, the private prison company CoreCivic paid a settlement to the wrongful death estate of Kesley Vial, a 23-year-old Brazilian asylum seeker who died by suicide while in ICE custody at the Torrance County Detention Facility (TCDF) in Estancia, New Mexico, in August of 2022.

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

Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

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.

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.

Aug 09, 2018

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..."

Jul 17, 2018

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.

May 16, 2018

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

May 10, 2018

The Toxic Cocktail of White Fear and Police Power

As teenage brothers Thomas and Lloyd descended a staircase with fellow prospective students of Colorado State University, the excitement of visiting their dream school quickly unraveled.

By Katie Hoeppner

Mar 28, 2018

Supporter Spotlight: Diane Sewell McCash

Originally published in the spring 2018 Torch

By Katie Hoeppner

Mar 28, 2018

ACLU Agreement With City Gives Hope to Albuquerque Panhandlers

A recent agreement reached by the ACLU and the City of Albuquerque offers some relief and hope for Albuquerque residents who depend on panhandling to get by, but who live in fear of being cited, cuffed, and even jailed.

By Katie Hoeppner

Mar 28, 2018

2018 Legislative Session Overview

As expected, the 2018 New Mexico legislative session kicked off with a fear-mongering speech by Governor Susana Martinez calling for a slew of hyperpunitive sentencing laws to address the spike in crime that many New Mexico communities are experiencing.

By Steven Robert Allen

Mar 28, 2018

From the Desk of Executive Director Peter Simonson

The path to making America great again is not paved with cruelty, arrogance, and selfishness. It is lit by the same values that draw immigrants to our shores: freedom, fairness, and justice.

By Peter Simonson

Mar 28, 2018

Jail Over Justice

Fourteen months ago Manuel Pérez* lay on the ground unconscious in the sloping mountains of Sierra de los Cuchamatanes, Guatemala. His skull was fractured. His teeth were broken. And his brain was hemorrhaging blood.

By Katie Hoeppner

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