News & Commentary

Kesley Vial

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.

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

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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.

May 28, 2025

What Is Due Process?

The Trump administration's latest attack on our rights threatens our ability to defend ourselves from injustice. We won't stand for it.

A protest with individuals holding signs in favor of due process.
Apr 30, 2025

We Are Defending Freedom in the Courts — And Still Winning

With 53 lawsuits filed against the Trump administration and counting, we will not surrender our freedoms to a lawless executive branch.

A group of demonstrators in Manhattan holding pro-democracy signage.
Apr 29, 2025

Five State and Local Entities Safeguarding Our Civil Rights

Governors, attorneys general, mayors, and other local officials are starting to vocally say no to President Donald Trump’s radical and dangerous agenda. Here’s why their roles are so crucial for our democracy and the state of civil liberties today.

A backward view of protesters.
Apr 21, 2025

How We Help the Immigrant Community Feel Seen

When Jeannie Parent and her volunteer group, KWESI, visit immigrants held in a California detention center, she’s inspired by the sense of connection and community she can foster in spite of the circumstances.

A photo of Jeannie Parent.
Apr 21, 2025

The Human Toll of Trump's Anti-Trans Crusade

President Donald Trump’s assault on transgender rights is a gross overreach of presidential power and yet another attempt to punish trans people just for existing.

Trans Rights, speakers, protesters, and supporters denounce the Trump Administration's persistent attacks on the transgender community. by carrying a huge sign reading" TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS".
Apr 16, 2025

Trump's Expanded Domestic Military Use Should Worry Us All

President Donald Trump's use of the military domestically is dangerous and deeply misguided.

Members of the National Guard patrol the area surrounding the outskirts of the Capitol Building in Washington D.C.
Apr 14, 2025

Writing an Op-Ed is Not Grounds for Deportation

The U.S. government’s escalating attacks on noncitizens’ right to free speech, including our client Rümeysa Öztürk, should scare us all.

Rümeysa Öztürk headshot
Mar 26, 2025

2025 Legislative Wrap-up

As the dust settles on an incredibly challenging legislative session, we wanted to share our collective work over the past 60 days.

By Lena Weber

Stylized image of the Roundhouse in Santa Fe, NM
Mar 21, 2025

Can Border Agents Search Your Electronic Devices? It’s Complicated.

We’ve been getting a lot of questions about when border agents can legally conduct searches of travelers’ electronic devices at international airports and other ports of entry. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t simple.

Security Check at the Airport