Our constitution is meant to safeguard against government abuses of power. But all too often, the rights of those involved in the criminal justice system are compromised or ignored.
Throughout New Mexico, there are over 15,000 men and women in jail or prison.Overcrowded and financially strained correctional facilities cause many prisoners to routinely suffer abuse and inadequate care.
ACLU-NM works to fight unconstitutional conditions and the “lock ‘em up” mentality that prevails in the legislature. In our extensive work defending prisoners’ rights, we have fought for:
- Improved mental health care and screening in the Dona Ana County Detention Center
- Better safety and services for youth in state juvenile justice facilities
- Legislation that emphasizes treatment over incarceration for nonviolent drug offenders
- Accommodation of prisoners’ religious requirements, including access to a kosher diet and sweat lodges
- Accountability in instances of prisoner abuse at the hands of correctional officers
Learn more about recent cases and news related to NM prisons and Corrections Reform below.
