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ACLU Sues GOP Members to Protect Voter Privacy (10/27/2008)
ALBUQUERQUE — The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico today sued key members of the Republican Party for violating the privacy rights of New Mexico voters and illegally interfering with their right to vote. Filed in state district court, the class action suit alleges that NM Representative Justine Fox-Young and as yet unnamed members of the GOP illegally used private social security numbers to do background checks of legal voters and illegally disseminated confidential voter information to the press. The lawsuit also names private investigator Al Romero, hired by the GOP, for using voter registration information locate voters and question them about the legitimacy of their registrations.

Civil Rights Groups and Secretary of State Reach Agreement on Felon Voters (10/24/2008)
The New Mexico Women's Justice Project, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico, and Secretary of State Mary Herrera announced an agreement to ensure convicted felons who have completed all probation or parole are able to vote in the upcoming election.

ACLU Calls for Criminal Investigation of Bernalillo County Clerk's Office, GOP (10/22/2008)
ALBUQUERQUE — In a letter to the New Mexico Attorney General today, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico called for a criminal investigation into concerns that the Bernalillo County Clerk's Office may have released confidential voter registration information to the Republican Party, and that the Party may have publicly distributed that information in violation of state laws protecting voter privacy. A press packet distributed by the GOP last week contained photocopies of 19 voter registration forms, and acknowledged that the Party obtained 92 voter registration forms in all. Several of the forms displayed written notes in a space reserved for "office use only," suggesting that they had been reviewed by County officials before arriving in the Party's hands.

ACLU Defends Border Patrol Agents for Exposing Practice of 'Shotgunning' (05/21/2008)
TUCSON – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico today filed suit against U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) authorities on behalf of two CBP agents who were suspended from duty after speaking out against the agency's practice of "shotgunning traffic"--i.e., randomly stopping vehicles without reasonable suspicion. Agents Juan Curbelo and William Leafstone, Jr. have worked for the CBP for 12 years.

ACLU Defends Border Patrol Agents for Exposing Practice of 'Shotgunning' (05/21/2008)
TUCSON – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico today filed suit against U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) authorities on behalf of two CBP agents who were suspended from duty after speaking out against the agency's practice of "shotgunning traffic"--i.e., randomly stopping vehicles without reasonable suspicion. Agents Juan Curbelo and William Leafstone, Jr. have worked for the CBP for 12 years.

MALDEF, ACLU and Otero County Sheriff's Department Resolve Civil Rights Suit (04/09/2008)
LAS CRUCES, NM - MALDEF and the ACLU of New Mexico today announced a landmark settlement with the Otero County Sheriff's Department that addresses what plaintiffs alleged were civil rights violations committed by county deputies during immigration sweeps last September in the southern New Mexico town of Chaparral. Civil rights advocates say the agreement will help restore community trust in local law enforcement and greatly improve the safety of all people living in the County.

Community Groups Set Deadline for St. Vincent Response (02/29/2008)
In a letter sent to the St. Vincent Hospital Board of Directors on Wednesday, a coalition of community groups called on board members to tell the public by March 4th whether the hospital will share details of its proposed partnership agreement with Catholic-run CHRISTUS Health and how that partnership would affect the provision of family planning, reproductive health services, and end-of-life care at the hospital.

ACLU of New Mexico Sues Jail for Rape of Inmate (01/24/2008)
ALBUQUERQUE — The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico filed a lawsuit today against the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) for failing to protect inmate Roman Gallardo from physical and sexual assault by another prisoner while Gallardo was incarcerated for a DWI offense in 2006. The rape took place after Gallardo, an openly gay man, was forced to share a cell with an inmate who was known to have sexually assaulted at least one other prisoner.

ACLU Sues Sheriff’s Deputies to Uphold New Mexico Marijuana Law (01/17/2008)
CARLSBAD, NM – A paraplegic man is suing Eddy County Sheriff's deputies for seizing marijuana plants and equipment to grow marijuana, which he uses to control pain resulting from a spinal cord injury. Leonard French received a license to cultivate and use small quantities of marijuana for medicinal purposes from the state of New Mexico under the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act. The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, which represents French, says the deputies' actions violated not only that law, but also state forfeiture laws and a constitutional prohibition on unreasonable searches and seizures.

ACLU Sues Law Enforcement for Shielding President Bush From Protestors (01/15/2008)
ALBUQUERQUE - The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of New Mexico filed a lawsuit in federal court today on behalf of several New Mexico residents and advocacy organizations who were made to stand more than 150 yards away from the site of a fundraiser being attended by the president as they peacefully protested the views of the administration, while a group of people expressing support for President Bush were allowed to stand only a few feet from the fundraiser site.

ACLU of New Mexico Sues for Better Safety and Services in Juvenile Justice Facilities (11/19/2007)
ALBUQUERQUE – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico sued the New Mexico Children Youth and Families Department (CYFD) today for failing to ensure safe living conditions and essential rehabilitation services for young people in state juvenile justice facilities. The lawsuit charges CYFD with breaching the terms of a contract it signed with the ACLU in February 2006 requiring the agency to establish minimally adequate mental health services and protect youth from physical assaults and threats of violence. CYFD entered into the 2006 agreement in order to avoid being sued for rights violations at that time, said the ACLU.

Civil Rights Groups Sue Doña Ana County Jail over Poor Mental Health Services (11/07/2007)
LAS CRUCES, NM—Civil rights groups sued the Dona Ana County Detention Center today for failure to provide adequate mental health services to inmates in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and constitutional prohibitions on “cruel and unusual punishment.” The class action suit charges county officials with “deliberate indifference to [inmates’] serious mental health needs,” including failure to provide adequate mental health screening, monitoring, and care. On behalf of plaintiffs, Protection and Advocacy System, Inc. (P&A), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico, and private attorneys Michael Lilley of Las Cruces and Peter Cubra and Lisa Schatz-Vance of Albuquerque seek an effective program for mental health screening and treatment for all detainees and policy changes prohibiting the unnecessary incarceration of people with mental illness.

Families Sue Otero County Sheriffs Over Illegal Immigration Raids (10/17/2007)
LAS CRUCES, NM—Civil rights groups sued the Otero County Sheriff’s Department today for civil rights violations committed during immigration sweeps last September in the southern New Mexico town of Chaparral. On behalf of five Latino families, the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund (MALDEF) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico charged sheriff’s deputies with raiding homes without search warrants, interrogating families without evidence of criminal activity, and targeting households on the basis of race and ethnicity. The groups seek monetary damages and guarantees that the sheriff’s department will refrain from such raids in the future.

ACLU of New Mexico Reacts to Sweeps of Border Immigrant Communities (09/14/2007)
LAS CRUCES, NM - The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico condemned recent immigration raids by Otero and Doña Ana County Sheriff's deputies in the border towns of Chaparral and Vado today. The local police agencies are assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to conduct sweeps of immigrant neighborhoods, knocking on doors and checking identification. Authorities also are stopping motorists and entering private businesses.

ACLU of New Mexico Settles Lawsuit Against NMSU Football Coach (06/21/2007)
LAS CRUCES, NM - The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico has settled a lawsuit against New Mexico State University (NMSU) head football coach Hal Mumme on behalf of four Muslim players who claim they were victims of religious discrimination. The parties have agreed to keep the amount of the settlement confidential for six months.

Migrant Rights Advocate to Head New ACLU of New Mexico Border Office (06/20/2007)
LAS CRUCES, NM - The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico has named Maria Nape as the Director of a new ACLU office, located in the border town of Las Cruces, New Mexico, which will defend civil rights, especially of immigrants, in the border region. Nape has years of experience advocating for the rights of migrant farmworkers.

ACLU of New Mexico’s Case Against NMSU Football Coach Will Go to Trial (06/06/2007)
LAS CRUCES, NM - The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico announced today that a federal court judge has rejected a request by New Mexico State University (NMSU) head football coach Hal Mumme to throw out the ACLU’s case charging him with discriminating against four Muslim players on the basis of their religion. The ruling means that the case will go to trial on June 25, 2007.

New Mexico Mall Agrees to Temporarily Allow Man to Use Segway (05/02/2007)
ALBUQUERQUE - The Mesilla Valley Mall in Las Cruces, NM agreed to a preliminary injunction that will allow John R. Funk to operate his Segway in the mall. Funk, who has severe scoliosis and spinal stenosis, uses the Segway as an alternative to a wheelchair.

Santa Fe Immigration Sweep Prompts ACLU Investigation (03/19/2007)
ALBUQUERQUE - In response to recent immigration sweeps in Santa Fe, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico today filed an official request for all records surrounding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in New Mexico.

ACLU Staff Attorney to Receive Human Rights Alliance Award (03/15/2007)
ALBUEQUERQUE – George Bach, a staff Attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, will receive the Human Rights Alliance "Treasure Award" at the 13th Annual Human Rights Alliance Gay-la in Santa Fe on Saturday, March 17 at the Hotel Eldorado. Bach’s legal efforts have advanced the cause of civil rights in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

ACLU of New Mexico Cries Foul Over Rio Rancho Abstinence-Only Sex Education Policy (02/27/2007)
RIO RANCHO, NM - The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico raised objections on Tuesday to the participation of Rio Rancho School Board member Kathy Jackson in a January 22 vote not to offer alternatives to the district’s abstinence-only sex education curriculum. According to the New Mexico Secretary of State Office website, Jackson currently is a registered lobbyist for Best Choices Educational Services, Inc., the organization that contracts with the district to provide abstinence-only teaching. Jackson’s husband and Rio Rancho Mayor Keith Jackson also lobbies for Best Choices.

ACLU Seeks Retirement Health Insurance for Same-Sex Partners of New Mexico State Employees (02/05/2007)
ALBUQUERQUE - The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit today against the state of New Mexico on behalf of three lesbian couples seeking retirement health insurance for the domestic partners of lesbian and gay state employees.

ACLU of New Mexico Joins Legislative Opposition To Real ID Act (01/23/2007)
ALBUQUERQUE - The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico and organizations from both sides of the political spectrum today joined state legislators in opposition to the creation of a national identification card and the implementation of the federal Real ID Act of 2005 in New Mexico.

ACLU of New Mexico Defends Homeowners After Neighborhood Association Attempts to Censor “Impeach Bush” Sign (12/05/2006)
RIO RANCHO, NM - The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico announced today that it would take legal action against a Rio Rancho homeowners’ association if it made good on a threat to fine a local couple for projecting a sign that said “Impeach Bush” on the side of their home

Voters Seek Stronger Role for Congress in Checking President's Actions, Poll Shows (10/10/2006)
NEW YORK- Voters in four key states want to see Congress take a stronger role in providing checks and balances to the President's actions in fighting terrorism, and voice a strong preference for House and Senate candidates who will oppose the President's policies on the treatment of Guantánamo detainees, the use of torture and extraordinary rendition of detainees as well as secret searches of the private records of Americans.

ACLU of New Mexico Sues DEA, Police Officers for Roughing Up Amtrak Passengers (08/21/2006)
ALBUQUERQUE – The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico filed a lawsuit today against a federal drug enforcement agent and two police officers who illegally searched and roughed up an Armenian couple last summer while their Amtrak train was stopped in Albuquerque. Today’s lawsuit seeks multiple violations of the civil rights of both individuals.

ACLU and New Mexico Health Department Reach Agreement in Employee Free Speech Case (07/26/2006)
SANTA FE, NM -- Employees at the Santa Fe office of the New Mexico Department of Health now have a place to post materials expressing their opinions about the Iraq war and other important topics, thanks to a legal agreement obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico.

ACLU and New Mexico Health Department Reach Agreement in Employee Free Speech Case (07/26/2006)
SANTA FE, NM -- Employees at the Santa Fe office of the New Mexico Department of Health now have a place to post materials expressing their opinions about the Iraq war and other important topics, thanks to a legal agreement obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico.

ACLU of New Mexico Lawsuit Would Even Playing Field for New Political Parties (07/11/2006)
ALBUQUERQUE – The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, joined by the ACLU Voting Rights Project, today challenged a state law that forces new political parties to work much harder than existing parties to put their candidates on general election ballots.

ACLU of New Mexico Demands End to Overcrowding in Women’s Prison (04/04/2006)
SANTA FE, NM – The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico today asked a state court to force Corrections Secretary Joe Williams to relieve overcrowding at the New Mexico Women’s Correctional Facility in Grants. According to the ACLU, inmates are being housed in public communal areas that are not designed for long-term custody, causing increased tensions and fighting among inmates as well as the backup of sewage into living areas.

ACLU of New Mexico Wins Agreement to Overhaul State Juvenile Justice System (02/17/2006)
ALBUQUERQUE – The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico and the San Francisco-based Youth Law Center today announced a settlement agreement with New Mexico’s Children Youth and Families Department that requires sweeping improvements in security, mental health programming, and rehabilitation services in juvenile detention facilities across the state. It also mandates the closure of the troubled New Mexico Boy’s School in Springer.

Following ACLU of New Mexico Lawsuit, Surgical Center Agrees to Honor Patients’ End-of-Life Wishes (02/02/2006)
ALBUQUERQUE – The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico today said it has secured an agreement from the New Mexico Orthopaedic Surgery Center to stop making patients sign away their right-to-die arrangements as a prerequisite for receiving care.

ACLU of New Mexico Defends VA Employee Accused of ‘Sedition’ Over Criticism of Bush Administration (01/31/2006)
ALBUQUERQUE —The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico today demanded an explanation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for investigating a federal employee who published an editorial critical of the Bush administration in a local newspaper.

ACLU Settles Landmark Lawsuit Over Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters (01/27/2006)
ALBUQUERQUE – In the first settlement of its kind, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico today announced that the Albuquerque Public Schools will no longer send students’ contact information directly to military recruiters without properly notifying parents of their right to opt out of such information sharing.

ACLU of New Mexico Files Lawsuit Over Jail Guard's Sexual Abuse of Female Prisoners (01/25/2006)
ALBUQUERQUE, NM - The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico today filed claims of sexual abuse and 'cruel and unusual punishment' against a McKinley County detention officer, Brian Orr, on behalf of two female inmates from Wyoming.

Civil Rights Groups in New Mexico Denounce High School Contest Soliciting Anti-Gay, Anti-Choice Student Essays (11/22/2005)
FARMINGTON, NM – The American Civil Liberties Union and other civil rights groups are protesting an essay contest at Farmington's Piedra Vista High School that asked students to explain why preserving marriage between men and women is vital society and why unborn children merit respect and protection.

ACLU Challenges Albuquerque Voter ID Law (11/02/2005)
ALBUQUERQUE --The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico filed a lawsuit today asking a federal court to declare Albuquerque's recently passed Voter ID Amendment "unconstitutional, illegal, null and void."

Border Vigilante Arrested for Illegally Detaining Immigrant (10/24/2005)
HACHITA, NM - Today the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico expressed concern over reports that a member of the Minuteman vigilante group illegally detained two migrants near the Mexican border last week.

As Minutemen Start Border Patrols in New Mexico, ACLU Screens Documentary on Vigilante Group (10/01/2005)
ALBUQUERQUE - As the vigilante "Minuteman Project" prepares to hunt for undocumented immigrants along the U.S.-New Mexico border this month, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico today screened a new film documenting the efforts of border communities to stand up to the group.

ACLU Helps Free New Mexico Street Preacher From Prison (08/04/2005)
PORTALES, NM -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico today announced that it has succeeded in freeing street preacher Shawn Miller from the Roosevelt County jail. Miller was arrested last April after Portales police claimed he was yelling at passing cars, although Miller maintains he was merely ""preaching the word of God.""

ACLU of New Mexico Defends Patient's End-of-Life Wishes (06/09/2005)
ALBUQUERQUE -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico announced today that it has sued the New Mexico Orthopaedic Surgery Center for requiring a patient to abandon his living will prior to receiving medical care, which the ACLU said violates the New Mexico Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act.

ACLU of New Mexico Sues School District for Violating Privacy Rights of Students and Parents (05/06/2005)
ALBUQUERQUE -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico today filed a lawsuit against the Albuquerque Public Schools department for failing to properly notify parents of their option to prohibit public schools from directly sending their children's contact information to military recruiters. The ACLU charges that the school district's current practices violate students' privacy and due process rights, as well as provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

ACLU Sues New Mexico Sheriff's Deputies for Beating Two Young Men (05/04/2005)
SANTA FE, NM -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Chaves County Sheriff's deputies for brutalizing two young men at a private home in Roswell two years ago.

ACLU of New Mexico Files for Motion Against Local Police in Ongoing Discrimination Case (04/20/2005)
SANTA FE, NM -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico today asked federal court judge Martha Vasquez to declare Hobbs city officials in ""substantial non-compliance"" with a court-endorsed agreement requiring the police department to stop discriminating and to uphold the constitutional rights of African Americans. The motion also asks the court to initiate contempt proceedings for the city's failure to address a previous finding of non-compliance by Judge Vasquez under the terms of a 2001 settlement agreement.

ACLU Applauds New Mexico Governor for Signing Genetic Protection Bill (04/07/2005)
SANTA FE, NM - The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico today lauded Governor Bill Richardson for signing a genetic protection bill into law that will ban discrimination based on a person's genetic code in employment, housing, and credit.

ACLU Hails New Mexico Court Decision Upholding Immigrants' Right to Effective Counsel (09/01/2004)
ALBUQUERQUE -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico today hailed a unanimous decision by the State Supreme Court requiring that immigrants be told they could be deported if they plead guilty to a crime.

ACLU Defends Navajo Advocate's Right to Criticize School District (08/19/2004)
ALBUQUERQUE--The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico announced today that it is defending a Navajo man who is being sued by the Central Consolidated School District for defamation over an op-ed he wrote criticizing the district's bilingual education policies.

Corrales Mayor Settles ACLU Free Speech Lawsuit on Behalf of Resident Silenced at Public Forum (07/26/2004)
ALBUQUERQUE -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico today settled a lawsuit against Mayor Gary Kanin of Corrales, filed on behalf of a resident who was unconstitutionally silenced by the mayor during a public forum.

Federal Judge Finds New Mexico Police Violated Legal Agreement from ACLU Racial Bias Lawsuit (06/18/2004)
SANTA FE, NM -- A federal court has found the Hobbs Police Department to be in "substantial non-compliance" with a settlement agreement stemming from a class-action civil rights lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico on behalf of African American residents of Hobbs, the ACLU said today.

ACLU of New Mexico Sues State Police Officer Over Illegal Seizure of Documents (06/10/2004)
SANTA FE, NM --The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico filed a civil rights lawsuit yesterday against New Mexico State Police Officer Mitchell Maestas for illegally confiscating the identification documents of an Española resident, Estrella Rodriguez, whom the officer believed to be an undocumented immigrant. Rodriguez is a U.S. citizen who was born and raised in Española, New Mexico.

ACLU of New Mexico Sues Albuquerque Police Over Mistreatment of Peaceful Protestors (03/22/2004)
ALBUQUERQUE -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico and the New Mexico chapter of the National Lawyers Guild filed a civil rights lawsuit today against the Albuquerque Police Department over its handling of a protest against the Iraq war last March.

ACLU of New Mexico Wins Temporary Halt to Albuquerque's Anti-Panhandling Ordinance (01/16/2004)
ALBUQUERQUE -- State District Court Judge William F. Lang today granted the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico's request for a temporary restraining order barring Albuquerque from implementing an anti-panhandling ordinance that was to go into effect on January 21.

ACLU of New Mexico Wins Halt to Albuquerque's Second Attempt to Pass a Sex Offender Ordinance (01/05/2004)
ALBUQUERQUE, NM -- District Court Judge Wendy York has granted the American Civil Liberties Union a temporary restraining order barring implementation of ""ASORNA,"" the Albuquerque Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, the ACLU of New Mexico announced today.

ACLU of New Mexico Seeks to Protect Individual Privacy; Library Patrons to be Warned of Government's New Powers (07/22/2003)
ALBUQUERQUE -Many Americans are still unaware of the extent to which the government can access their personal information, so the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is launching a ""Campaign to Defend Our Libraries"" to make them take notice-and it's all beginning in New Mexico. This campaign comes while Congress has pending legislation that seeks to protect the privacy of library and bookstore patrons.

ACLU Calls on New Mexico's Governor to Halt State's First Execution in More than 41 Years (11/06/2001)
ALBUQUERQUE--The American Civil Liberties Union and its New Mexico affiliate today join other groups in opposing the first execution in the state of New Mexico in almost a half-century.

In Settlement of ACLU Lawsuit, New Mexico School District Agrees to Call Off Drug-Sniffing Dogs (10/25/2001)
ALBUQUERQUE - In a victory for students' rights, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico today announced that the Lordsburg Municipal School District has agreed to end its monthly drug-dog sweeps of students in grades 5-12.

ACLU of New Mexico Sues School District Over Use of Drug Sniffing Dogs to Search Students (05/02/2001)
ALBUQUERQUE --The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico today filed a lawsuit against Lordsburg school officials to stop them from using drug-detecting dogs to randomly sweep students for illicit substances in Lordsburg elementary, middle and high schools.

Amtrak Helps DEA Hunt Drug Couriers (04/11/2001)
ALBUQUERQUE, NM -- Amtrak is providing federal drug police here with ticketing information about passengers -- and Amtrak police get 10 percent of any cash seized from suspected drug couriers at the Downtown station, the Albuquerque Journal reported.

Court Orders School to Enroll Honors Student Who Protested Mandatory Uniform Policy (08/15/2000)
ALBUQUERQUE -- A sixth-grade honors student in Las Cruces started school today with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, when a federal judge forced officials to enroll him after they turned him away because he opposes school uniforms.

In Legal First, Appeals Court Strikes Down State's "Harmful to Minors" Ban on Internet Speech (11/03/1999)
NEW YORK -- In the first ruling of its kind, a federal appeals court has rejected a state law banning Internet speech deemed "harmful to minors," saying that such laws censor valuable speech for adults.