Image of Juan holding his daughter

A New Mexican Father Was Ripped Away From His Family After This New Mexico Agency Illegally Coordinated With ICE

Juan Lamas Aguilar has been held at the Torrance County Detention Facility since July 10.

Latest Press Release


Trial in Wrongful Death Case of Kesley Vial Will Not Proceed

The wrongful death trial on behalf of the estate of Kesley Vial, scheduled to begin Monday, January 5, 2026, in First Judicial District Court will not proceed.
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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

A road sign showing the Rio Arriba county line with Lybrook elementary just beyond it.

Locked Out: When School Boards Exclude Native Representation

At a small school district in northwestern New Mexico, many Navajo parents cannot run for local school board or vote in the school district’s elections where their children go to school. 
Dark blue collage image of GuJuan, featuring a recent photo of him along with a childhood picture in various color filters

Beyond the Concrete Box: Gujuan Fusilier’s Story

This blog is the third of a series based on interviews with three men currently held in the Penitentiary of New Mexico who are part of a class action lawsuit challenging the inhumane and unconstitutional conditions of New Mexico’s long-term solitary confinement unit.

By Lalita Moskowitz

Stylized image of plantiffs in front of a dark green background, a silhouette of a man sitting down on pavement looking distressed is centered in the photo stylized in green.

Beyond the Concrete Box: Human Stories from Solitary

This blog is the first of a series based on interviews with Mah-konce Hudson, GuJuan Fusilier, and O'Shay Toney, who are currently held in the Penitentiary of New Mexico.

By Lalita Moskowitz

ACLU Sues for Better Safety and Services in NM Juvenile Justice Facilities

### The mission of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico is to maintain and advance the cause of civil liberties within the state of New Mexico, with particular emphasis on the freedom of religion, speech, press, association, and assemblage, and the right to vote, due process of law and equal protection of law, and to take any legitimate action in the furtherance and defense of such purposes. These objectives shall be sought wholly without political partisanship. Related documents: CYFD Complaint

By Micah McCoy

Civil Rights Groups Sue Doña Ana County Jail over Poor Mental Health Services

### Related Documents: Dona Ana County Complaint .

By Micah McCoy

Families Sue Otero County Sheriffs Over Illegal Immigration Raids

# # # Founded in 1968, MALDEF, the nation's leading Latino legal organization, promotes and protects the rights of Latinos through litigation, advocacy, community education and outreach, leadership development, and higher education scholarships. For more information on MALDEF, please visit:www.maldef.org. The mission of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico is to maintain and advance the cause of civil liberties within the state of New Mexico, with particular emphasis on the freedom of religion, speech, press, association, and assemblage, and the right to vote, due process of law and equal protection of law, and to take any legitimate action in the furtherance and defense of such purposes. These objectives shall be sought wholly without political partisanship. Related Documents: Otero County Complaint Otero County Sheriff's Office Public Records Request Request to Inspect Public Records (Dona Ana County)

By Micah McCoy

MALDEF and ACLU to Announce Response to Otero County Immigration Raids

# # # Founded in 1968, MALDEF, the nation's leading Latino legal organization, promotes and protects the rights of Latinos through litigation, advocacy, community education and outreach, leadership development, and higher education scholarships. For more information on MALDEF, please visit:www.maldef.org. The mission of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico is to maintain and advance the cause of civil liberties within the state of New Mexico, with particular emphasis on the freedom of religion, speech, press, association, and assemblage, and the right to vote, due process of law and equal protection of law, and to take any legitimate action in the furtherance and defense of such purposes. These objectives shall be sought wholly without political partisanship.

By Micah McCoy

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DEA Returns Trucker’s Cash

### Related Documents: Prieto Complaint . Press Release: DEA Takes Trucker's Money; ACLU Wants It Given Back

By Micah McCoy

ACLU: School Must Allow Gay-Straight Club

### Related Documents: Letter to Farmington Board of Education . ACLU's Letter to Piedra Vista Principal Ann Gattis . National ACLU LGBT Rights Project

By Micah McCoy

ACLU Reacts to Sweeps of Border Immigrant Communities

### Related Documents: Otero County Complaint Otero County Sheriff's Office Public Records Request Request to Inspect Public Records (Dona Ana County)

By Micah McCoy

DEA Takes Trucker’s Money; ACLU Wants It Given Back

### Related Documents: Prieto Complaint

By Micah McCoy

High School Basketball Players Illegally Searched at a New Mexico Regional Tournament

Players and To’hajiilee School Board of Education Sue State Police OfficersTO’HAJIILEE, NM—The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico filed a lawsuit today on behalf of To’hajiilee Community School basketball players and the To’hajiilee School Board of Education, Inc., against three New Mexico State law enforcement officers for their illegal searches during a regional basketball tournament.

By Micah McCoy

Tohajiilee Warriors