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.

Jun 24, 2014

ACLU of New Mexico Condemns APD Spying on Protesters, Files Public Records Request for Surveillance Data

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By Micah McCoy

Jun 10, 2014

New Mexico Has Little-Known For-Profit Prison for Immigrants; ACLU Investigation of Such Prisons Reveals Abuse, Inhumane Conditions

By Micah McCoy

Jun 09, 2014

“APD Forward” Campaign to Reform Albuquerque Police Department Launched

ALBUQUERQUE, NM—Today, Albuquerque community leaders and a broad spectrum of New Mexico-based organizations announced the launch of the APD Forward campaign, a community-driven effort to hold the City of Albuquerque and the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) accountable for implementing reforms of the city’s police department. APD Forward will serve as a powerful, targeted platform for Albuquerque communities to press for sustainable reforms of APD policies and procedures.

By Micah McCoy

Jun 02, 2014

Customs and Border Protection Releases Deadly Force Report and Revised Use of Force Policies

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By Micah McCoy

May 09, 2014

ACLU of New Mexico Applauds APD Policy Standardizing Firearms

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By Micah McCoy

Apr 29, 2014

Know Your Rights Trainings for Transgender New Mexicans

Southwest Women's Law Center has teamed up with the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico, the ACLU LGBT Project, and the ACLU of New Mexico to present Know Your Rights Trainings for transgender and gender non-conforming communities in New Mexico. We will be providing information about:

By Micah McCoy

Apr 28, 2014

Winners of ACLU’s “My Big Gay (Il)Legal Wedding” Contest to Wed in New Mexico

Texan couple to fly helicopter into New Mexico for dream wedding

By Micah McCoy

Apr 10, 2014

DOJ: APD Has Pattern and Practice of Violating Rights with Excessive Force

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has released its findings after an exhaustive investigation into whether the the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) engages in a pattern or practice of constitutional violations. The full report is available online here. A summary of the top-line findings of the report are as follows:

By Micah McCoy

Apr 02, 2014

ACLU: Federal Monitor Good First Step Towards Reforming APD

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By Micah McCoy

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