ACLU Vows to Protect New Mexican’s Civil Rights and Constitutional Freedoms

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — As the nation faces increased threats to civil rights under a second Trump presidency, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico announced immediate action to protect constitutional freedoms in the state.

"While Donald Trump may have been democratically reelected, the ACLU of New Mexico is clear-eyed about the challenges ahead,” said Leon Howard, Interim Executive Director of the ACLU of New Mexico. “We are done with handwringing—we are ready to act. New Mexico has established itself as a stronghold for civil rights, and we will use every available tool to maintain these protections and even expand them. We will defend our communities in the courts and in the legislature against any attempts to roll back fundamental rights."

The ACLU of New Mexico pointed to several immediate priorities:

• Protecting immigrant communities by preventing state resources from being used for federal immigration enforcement and fighting the expansion of immigration detention;
• Safeguarding reproductive rights by protecting reproductive freedom in New Mexico and defending those targeted for providing or seeking reproductive care in the state;
• Fighting against censorship and attempts to limit our First Amendment rights, including the right to protest;
• Protecting LGBTQ+ rights by ensuring access to gender-affirming care and defending our privacy;
• Continuing to defend diversity, equity, and inclusion and fight for the dignity of all New Mexicans, including our unhoused neighbors, people facing police violence, and people who are incarcerated.

"We know many are feeling fear and processing these results in different ways,” said Howard. “But when you’re ready, we urge New Mexicans to join us in this fight. The ACLU has successfully defended civil liberties for over 100 years, and together, we will ensure New Mexico remains a beacon for civil rights and freedoms.”