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


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.


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