News & Commentary

Photo of City of San Diego seal in the city council chambers. An American flag is in the left bottom corner.

ACLU-SDIC Public Comment – City of San Diego Risk Management Presents on Settlements & Judgments Against SDPD

The following prepared public comment, following a presentation by the City of San Diego’s Risk Management on settlements and judgments against the San Diego Police Department (SDPD), outlines the significant amount of city funds used for these SDPD settlements and how that money would be better spent investing in our communities. This public comment was delivered before the San Diego City Council Budget and Government Efficiency Committee by ACLU-SDIC Senior Policy Advocate Branden Sigua on June 17, 2026.

By Branden Sigua

Latest Press Release

June 9, 2026

Workers and Advocacy Groups Challenge DHS’s Illegal Warrantless Arrest Policy 

DHS practice amounts to “arrest people and ask questions later.” 
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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

Samantha Itazawa (long dark hair, bangs, wearing black longsleeve shirt) delivers testimony into microphone standing before a seated crowd.

ACLU-SDIC Public Testimony – San Diego City Council Resolution in Support of Somali Community

The following public comment outlines the ACLU-SDIC's support for a resolution in support for our Somali community. This public comment was delivered before the San Diego City Council by ACLU-SDIC Staff Attorney Samantha Itazawa on June 15, 2026.

By Samantha Itazawa

Daniela holding rainbow fan that says "fan of equal rights"

ACLU-SDIC Public Testimony – Support for Pride Month Resolution at Central Union High School District Board Meeting

The following public comment outlines the ACLU-SDIC's support for a LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Resolution. This public comment was delivered before the Central Union High School District Board by ACLU-SDIC Senior Organizer Daniela Vega on June 9, 2026. The resolution passed with a 4-1 vote.

By Daniela Vega

Sign that says San Diego says Flock Off!

ACLU-SDIC Public Comment – City of San Diego Holds Hearing on Approval of FY27 Budget

The following public comment outlines the ACLU-SDIC's opposition to the city of San Diego's contracts with Flock Safety and support for services and resources related to youth, libraries, arts, housing, parks and other programs that help San Diegans thrive. This public comment was delivered before the San Diego City Council by ACLU-SDIC Senior Policy Advocate Branden Sigua on June 9, 2026.

By Branden Sigua

Aug 16, 2020

How to Give Public Comment

Public input and oversight into how our governments work are essential for a healthy and thriving community. Executive Order N-25-20 issued by Governor Gavin Newsom allows local government bodies and agencies to conduct their business in virtual ways to comply with social distancing and other public health recommendations. Provided below is information about how our regional governing bodies are conducting business during this public health crisis and how the public can give comments (if this option is available). We will update this page as often as possible. Given the fast-changing nature of information during this time, we recommend you contact your local city clerk for the most up-to-date information. (Information updated 04.20.2020)

How To Give Public Comment
Aug 16, 2020

How to Give Public Comment

Public input and oversight into how our governments work are essential for a healthy and thriving community. Executive Order N-25-20 issued by Governor Gavin Newsom allows local government bodies and agencies to conduct their business in virtual ways to comply with social distancing and other public health recommendations. Provided below is information about how our regional governing bodies are conducting business during this public health crisis and how the public can give comments (if this option is available). We will update this page as often as possible. Given the fast-changing nature of information during this time, we recommend you contact your local city clerk for the most up-to-date information. (Information updated 04.20.2020) SAN DIEGO CITY COUNCIL

How To Give Public Comment
Aug 16, 2020

ACLU-SDIC Annual Meeting & Board Elections Postponed

In light of the growing public health risk posed by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties has postponed our Annual Membership Meeting and Board Elections, currently scheduled for March 17 at St Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral. Our decision was guided by science and by our responsibility to safeguard the health and well-being of our members, volunteers, staff and families, and the broader community.

Picture of the ACLU Annual Meeting mailer with a light blue text overlay reading "POSTPONED"
Aug 16, 2020

An Open Letter to California Officials: Housing First

By Eve Garrow

A police officer peers into a tent that may have been part of an encampment for people experiencing homelessness.
Aug 10, 2020

Imperial County Board of Supervisors Testimony Supporting The Healthy Equity Resolution, Equity Committee and Data Collection

The following is a prepared testimony in support of the Healthy Equity Resolution, Equity Committee and Data Collection delivered to the Imperial County Board of Supervisors.

By Crystal Quezada

Screenshoot of The Imperial County Board of Supervisors with masks on conducting a virtual meeting
Aug 05, 2020

COVID-19

We understand that our local, state and federal governments must take certain measures to protect people’s health, safety and well-being during this unprecedented public health emergency. As governments take these emergency measures, they must also safeguard people’s civil rights and liberties as guaranteed by the United States Constitution.

By Edgar Hopida

An illustrated version of a COVID-19 virus with text that reads: "A Resource for the People on COVID-19"
Aug 04, 2020

Have you experienced abuses by law enforcement? Call us.

If you have experienced abuse at the hands of law enforcement officers, call us at (619) 398-4486.

San Diego Police Department motorcycles and their riders forming a line to block traffic.
Jul 24, 2020

Border Patrol Violently Assaults Civil Rights and Liberties

Andrea Flores, Former Deputy Director of Policy, ACLU's Equality Division

A group of militarized federal agents with an agent in the center shining a bright flashlight toward the viewer.
Jul 08, 2020

Prepared Testimony to Imperial County Board of Supervisors Regarding Data Collection and Decarceration

The following is a prepared testimony delivered to the Imperial County Board of Supervisors by Crystal Quezada, senior community advocate in Imperial County for the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties. 

Screenshoot of The Imperial County Board of Supervisors with masks on conducting a virtual meeting