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.

More from the Press


Placeholder image

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


Placeholder image

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.


Empowering Black Philanthropy: The Birth of ACLU of New Mexico’s Black Donor Network

Simone comes from a family of social justice activists and has a personal and profound understanding of the Black experience here in New Mexico. She is a native of Albuquerque and a proud graduate of New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. With a professional background in finance and banking, Simone is eager to merge her personal and professional background into centering Black voices while raising awareness, support, and funds for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico and allied organizations.

By Simone Crum-Muckle

Black Donor Network Launch

Five Things to Know About the Supreme Court Case Threatening Doctors Providing Emergency Abortion Care

The case will determine whether federal law protects pregnant people's right to emergency care.

A group of demonstrators holding a banner saying "Our Bodies, Our Freedom."

Remembering Barron Jones, a Beacon of Justice

It is with heavy hearts that we say farewell to a cherished colleague, advocate, and friend, Barron Jones, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on the night of March 22.

Barron Jones

"We Do No Such Thing": What the 303 Creative Decision Means and Doesn't Mean for Anti-Discrimination and Public Accommodation Laws

Businesses offering expressive services do not have a First Amendment right to refuse to serve customers based on their identity. The SCOTUS decision merely recognizes a business’s right to choose not to sell certain products to anyone.

A Pride supporter (whose face cannot be seen) holds an Intersex-inclusive Pride Flag in their hair while facing the Supreme Court.

Remembering Barron Jones

We at the ACLU of New Mexico are gutted by this loss but will carry forward Barron’s devotion to making New Mexico a more humane, just, and equitable place.

Barron Jones

How to Protect Consumer Privacy and Free Speech

Consumer privacy laws should strengthen free speech protections online, and vice versa. Here’s how it can be done.

A gavel on a laptop.

2024 Legislative Session Round-up

How we successfully fought for true public safety investments and laid the groundwork for future justice initiatives.

By Nayomi Valdez

Photo of the Roundhouse in Santa Fe

Border Patrol’s Abusive Practice of Taking Migrants’ Property Needs to End

A new report details Border Patrol’s cruel and unnecessary confiscation and destruction of migrants’ belongings, including medicines, legal documents, and religious objects.

A man and woman with baggage at the border.

Anti-DEI Efforts Are the Latest Attack on Racial Equity and Free Speech

The far right wants to get rid of DEI offices, end anti-bias training, and stop public statements of support for diversity. It’s the latest effort to dismantle systems designed to foster racial equity and progress.

A racially-diverse classroom setting.