Press Releases

ACLU: ICE Must Develop COVID-19 Plan for Detention Centers

ADELANTO/BAKERSFIELD — Today the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Southern California sent letters to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) saying an effective plan must be developed for prevention and management of the COVID-19 virus at its detention centers.

Report: Millions in Student Funds Illegally Diverted to School Police

LOS ANGELES — An investigative report released today by the ACLU Foundation of Southern California and Public Advocates Inc. shows that tens of millions of dollars earmarked for programs to aid high-need students were instead unlawfully spent by school districts on school police and other security
Issue Areas: Education Equity

ACLU SoCal, NOLSW Announce Voluntary Recognition of Union

LOS ANGELES — The ACLU of Southern California (ACLU SoCal) announced that it has voluntarily recognized the National Organization of Legal Services Workers Local 2320 (NOLSW) as its union. Like at numerous nonprofits across the country that have recently unionized, staff at the ACLU SoCal sought

Rally to Protest Expansion of OC Jail

SANTA ANA — On Wednesday, a rally will be held by community groups and activists to protest the planned expansion of the county’s James A. Musick Jail Facility. The expansion, projected to cost as much as $203 million according to staff reports, is primarily for a major increase in mental health bed
Issue Areas: Jails Project

L.A. Supervisors to Vote on Ending Criminal Fees

LOS ANGELES ­— The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote February 18 on a landmark measure that would eliminate county criminal system administrative fees that have plunged people into debt at the very point they are trying to rebuild their lives.

ACLU of California Announces Civil Liberties Champions

Sacramento, CA — Today the ACLU of California announced its first Civil Liberties Champions, the result of tracking the votes and other key actions of state legislators on nearly 200 bills related to civil rights and civil liberties in 2019.

ACLU Takes Action Against Orange County for Unlawful Transfers to ICE

The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Southern California today filed administrative complaints against Orange County and the cities of Huntington Park and Tustin for unlawfully interrogating people about their immigration status and detaining them for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforce
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights

D.A. Candidates in Los Angeles Hold First Debate

LOS ANGELES — The current race for district attorney in Los Angeles County involves issues so vital nationwide that the New York Times called it "the most important district attorney’s race in America." The Los Angeles Times said that except for the presidential race, it's the "most important item