News & Commentary

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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.

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

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

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.
Black-and-white photo of an LGBTQ rights picket on a tree-lined sidewalk beside a tall iron fence (near the White House). Protesters—mostly in suits and dresses—carry hand-lettered signs including “FIFTEEN MILLION U.S. HOMOSEXUALS PROTEST FEDERAL TREATMENT,” “FIRST-CLASS CITIZENSHIP FOR HOMOSEXUALS,” and “SEXUAL PREFERENCE IS IRRELEVANT TO EMPLOYMENT.” A uniformed police officer stands with hands on hips facing the group, while an ABC TV reporter in a suit holds a microphone at the curb; pedestrians walk past in the background.

Trump Administration Playbook Takes Tactics from Lavender Scare of the Cold War

A McCarthy-era effort to report LGBTQ people to the government, classify queerness as a mental disorder, and overall push queer people from public life is taking similar shape today.
Various photos representing this years legislative session including the statue of liberty, a family, and protesters.

Rising to the Moment: A Breakthrough 30‑Day Session for Civil Liberties

This year's legislative session saw ACLU of New Mexico staff, community partners, advocates, and legislative champions showed up ready to work, and ready to lead with courage.

May 11, 2010

Community Groups Set Deadline for St. Vincent Response

Coalition Wants the Hospital to Make a Commitment to the Community that They Will Share Details of Partnership Agreement with the Public

By Micah McCoy

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May 11, 2010

DEA Ordered Seizure of Medical Marijuana from Paraplegic Patient According to Local Law Enforcement

### Related Documents: 14-Feb-2008 Affidavit 17-Jan-2008 Press Release French Complaint . ACLU Drug Law Reform Project

By Micah McCoy

May 11, 2010

ACLU Sues MDC for Rape of Inmate

### Related Documents: MDC Complaint

By Micah McCoy

May 11, 2010

ACLU Sues Sheriff’s Deputies to Uphold New Mexico Marijuana Law

### Related Documents: French Complaint . 14-Feb-2008 Affidavit 15-Feb-2008 Press Release ACLU Drug Law Reform Project

By Micah McCoy

May 11, 2010

ACLU Sues Law Enforcement for Shielding President Bush From Protestors

Group Calls Action Unconstitutional and Discriminatory

By Micah McCoy

May 11, 2010

New ACLU Report Details Pervasive Racial Discrimination in America

Group Calls U.S. Report to U.N. a Whitewash

By Micah McCoy

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May 11, 2010

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

May 11, 2010

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

### Related Documents: Dona Ana County Complaint .

By Micah McCoy

May 05, 2010

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