Immigrants’ Rights

Many New Mexicans experience discrimination, hostility and civil rights violations of because of their suspected immigration status. As a result, protecting immigrants’ rights is a top priority for the ACLU of New Mexico.

southern border

Many New Mexicans experience discrimination, hostility and civil rights violations of because of their suspected immigration status. As a result, protecting immigrants’ rights is a top priority for the ACLU of New Mexico.

The ACLU is one of the leading advocates for the rights of immigrants, asylum seekers, and non-citizens in the country, challenging unconstitutional laws and practices and countering the myths upon which many of these laws are based.

Regardless of one’s views on U.S. immigration policy, the fundamental civil liberties protections of the Bill of Rights and the U.S. Constitution protect every person in this country—including non-citizens. The government can legitimately control its borders, but the power to exclude and deport people must be exercised fairly and consistently, subject to our constitutional norms and U.S. obligations under international law.

Additionally, we joined forces with the ACLU of Arizona, the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties, the ACLU of Texas, and our team at the national office to form the Border Humanity Project. Together, we advocate for rebuilding asylum and demanding an end to indiscriminate immigration detention and abuses at the border. Our team consists of advocates, litigators, community leaders, and experts who are deeply engaged in taking action to welcome people seeking asylum with dignity and respect and stop the horrors of abuse in immigration detention. We can fight for transparency, accountability, and humane treatment of people.

Know Your Rights: Immigrants' Rights Resources:

Stay informed about our latest work in Immigrants' Rights.

Learn about recent Immigrants’ Rights issues affecting New Mexico below.

The Latest

News & Commentary
A large brown U.S. Army sign reading “Fort Bliss – Doña Ana Training Complex” stands in the foreground of a wide, open landscape. Behind it are low beige military buildings, utility poles, and a tall red-and-white checkered water tower, with mountains rising in the distance under a clear blue sky.

Detained Immigrants Detail Physical Abuse and Inhumane Conditions at Largest Immigration Detention Center in the U.S.

In a letter calling to end immigration detention at Fort Bliss, interviews with 45 people report physical and sexual abuse, medical neglect, and intimidation to self-deport.
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Human Rights Groups Urge ICE to End Immigration Detention at Fort Bliss Military Base, Halt Abusive Third-Country Deportations

People detained by ICE describe inhumane conditions at nation’s largest immigration detention center, including sexual abuse, coercive threats of deportation, among other violations
Issue Areas: Immigrants’ Rights
Resource
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Press Release
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ACLU of New Mexico Challenges Unlawful Detention of DACA Recipient

The ACLU of New Mexico and the law firm Singleton Schreiber, LLP filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus this morning, challenging the detention of Paulo Cesar Gamez Lira, a 28-year-old DACA recipient and father of four U.S. citizen children who has lived in the United
Issue Areas: Immigrants’ Rights
Court Case
Aug 19, 2021

Granillo v. United States of America

Court Case
May 12, 2021

Torrance County Detention Facility Lawsuit