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


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

Prolonged Detention of Somali Torture Victim Unconstitutional

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LGBT Students: Know Your Rights!

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Students' Rights: The Basics

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The ACLU Defends Rights of Police Officers

The ACLU is well known for its vigorous efforts to combat police misconduct, but not generally recognized for its legal advocacy on behalf of police officers. Because we sometimes need to criticize the misconduct of some police officers and departments, the ACLU is thought to be “anti-cop” in some quarters. This is ironic. We are often in the position of promoting good policing, which necessitates pointing out instances in which police officers or departments have violated the community trust. We strongly believe that police are entitled to constitutional protections just as the rest of us are. They can also have their rights violated like the rest of us.

The ACLU regularly defends officers whose rights to free expression are denied or violated.

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Urgent Citizen Action Needed to Fix the Patriot Act

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ACLU on KPBS Discussing Migrant Deaths at the U.S.-Mexico Border

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Mojave Desert Cross Case

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Humanitarian Crisis: Migrant Deaths at the U.S.-Mexico Border

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U.S.-Mexico Border Crossing Deaths Are a Humanitarian Crisis

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