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 12, 2010

ACLU Commends New Mexico Legislature on Passing Bill to Abolish the Death Penalty

### 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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May 12, 2010

ACLU Lawsuit Alleges Racial Profiling Troopers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:Friday, May 15, 2009

By Micah McCoy

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May 11, 2010

Border Patrol Supervisors Back to Work

# # # 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: html: Press Release (May 21, 2008)

By Micah McCoy

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May 11, 2010

ACLU Calls for Criminal Investigation of Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office, GOP

# # # 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: ACLU's Letter to the New Mexico Attorney General's Office (10-21-08)

By Micah McCoy

May 11, 2010

ACLU Sues GOP Members to Protect Voter Privacy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, October 27, 2008

By Micah McCoy

Voting Booths
May 11, 2010

Civil Rights Groups and Secretary of State Reach Agreement on Felon Voters

FOR IMMIDIATE RELEASE October 24, 2008

By Micah McCoy

ballot box
May 11, 2010

Civil Rights Groups Hail Appeals Court Decision Protecting the Rights of People with Mental Illness

FOR

By Micah McCoy

May 11, 2010

ACLU Defends Border Patrol Agents for Exposing Practice of ‘Shotgunning’

# # # 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: Shotgunning Complaint

By Micah McCoy

May 11, 2010

ACLU Hails California Decision on Marriage for Gay Men and Lesbians

# # # 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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