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 21, 2017

Queer Rights are Under Attack

The current Administration is so scared of Queer folks like me that they’re ready to strip our rights and set us back fifty years.

One heart with rainbow coloring and another heart alternating with pink and blue together under a blue banner that says ACLU

Aug 10, 2017

Spotlight: Maryam Chudnoff is Ready to Fight Back Against Anti-Muslim Harassment

"My great grandmother came via Russia in 1902 and all of the family that stayed there, that didn’t leave, is dead. Why? Because of this kind of us and them separation that grows and grows and grows and that separation becomes hate, becomes fear, becomes ‘they are less than us...'"

A woman stands wearing a white headscarf and martial arts robe, holding a sword

Jul 24, 2017

Breaking – Federal judge issues preliminary injunction halting deportation of Iraqis facing persecution

Today, we celebrate an extraordinary victory.

By Katie Hoeppner

Jul 20, 2017

How Misdemeanor Charges Turned into a Death Sentence for One Army Veteran

Douglas lost his freedom because he lacked the money to post bond. He lost list life because Cibola County Detention Center didn’t think his life was worth the cost of a hospital bill.

By Katie Hoeppner

Fellow inmates tend to Douglas Edmisten as he lays on the ground in pain.

Jul 14, 2017

The Invisible Sting: How your private cellphone data is being swept up by law enforcement

These mysterious devices collect the cellular data of any unsuspecting bystander who happens to be in the area.

By Katie Hoeppner

Jul 03, 2017

Spotlight: Abdur'Rauf

"We are part of the very fabric of America.”

By Katie Hoeppner

Jun 28, 2017

Fight Fear with Familiarity - New Blog Series!

The ACLU of New Mexico Announces New Blog Series Spotlighting our Muslim Neighbors!

By Katie Hoeppner

Jun 26, 2017

Albuquerque Stands with Iraqi Refuge; Succeeds in Causing Deportation Delay

“Justice for Kadhim! Justice for Kadhim! Justice for Kadhim!”

By Katie Hoeppner

Protesters hold posters that read "Don't deport Kadhim" and "I stand with refugees. No ban. No wall."

Jun 15, 2017

False Claims of Voter Fraud Threaten Our Wallets and Our Rights

Dianna Duran's false voter fraud claims cost New Mexicans 125k. An even greater cost is your most fundamental right.

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