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.

Oct 09, 2013

Marriage Coalition Releases Ad Outlining Broad, Faith-Based Support For the Freedom to Marry in New Mexico

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By Micah McCoy

Oct 03, 2013

DATE CORRECTION: 2013 Annual Meeting October 19th

By Micah McCoy

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Oct 01, 2013

New Poll: Majority Support For Marriage for Gay and Lesbian New Mexicans

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By Micah McCoy

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Sep 23, 2013

Civil Rights Groups Ask New Mexico Supreme Court to Grant Same-Sex Couples the Freedom to Marry

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By Micah McCoy

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Sep 19, 2013

“Do the Yankees Want More Hitters?”: My Encounter With a U.S. Border Patrol Agent

By Caroline Iosso, RCBR Project Coordinator 

By Micah McCoy

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Sep 17, 2013

Jesse Tyler Ferguson of TV’s "Modern Family" Returns to New Mexico to Support Marriage Equality

Today, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico and the Why Marriage Matters New Mexico campaign announced that Albuquerque native and star of TV’s “Modern Family” Jesse Tyler Ferguson will visit his home state to support local efforts to win the freedom to marry for same-sex couples. Ferguson and his spouse, Justin Mikita, will unveil their new collaboration with Taos Pueblo native and “Project Runway” finalist Patricia Michaels, who has designed a stunning New Mexico-themed bowtie for Ferguson and Mikita’s Tie The Knot Foundation.

By Micah McCoy

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Sep 13, 2013

Employment Opportunity: Part Time Administrative Assistant

American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico Foundation

By Micah McCoy

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Sep 12, 2013

ACLU of NM Case Overturns Guild Cinema Conviction in “Pornotopia” Case

New Mexico Supreme Court Rules that the Guild Cinema’s Erotic Film Festival Did Not Violate City Zoning Law

By Micah McCoy

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Sep 06, 2013

ACLU, NCLR Welcome New Mexico Supreme Court Order Setting Hearing on Freedom to Marry for Same-sex Couples Statewide

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M—Today, the New Mexico Supreme Court issued an order setting a hearing for October 23, 2013 to consider a request by the New Mexico Association of Counties that the court immediately decide whether New Mexico law permits same-sex couples to marry. All 33 county clerks in the state joined in the Association’s request that the Supreme Court resolve the issue.

By Micah McCoy

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