News & Commentary

Eddie Meyer quote graphic with blue background and white and yellow text that reads: "This ordinance helps protect basic constitutional rights for everyone who lives in, works in, or accesses San Diego County services or facilities."

ACLU-SDIC Testimony – San Diego County Board of Supervisors Considers CLEAR Ordinance

The following testimony outlines the ACLU-SDIC's support for the Civil Liberties Enforcement and Accountability Rules (CLEAR) Ordinance. This testimony was delivered before the San Diego County Board of Supervisors by ACLU-SDIC Immigrants' Rights Senior Policy Advocate on January 13, 2026.

By Eddie Meyer

Latest Press Release

Jan 23, 2026

ACLU-SDIC Launches EmpowerEd: A Three-Track Public Education Series

Amid ongoing federal actions affecting civil rights nationwide, the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties (ACLU-SDIC) is launching EmpowerEd: an educational series that provides the public with information on their rights, advocacy tools, and knowledge about existing laws and systems.

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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

Blue background with white and yellow quote text reads "San Diegans don't need more watchful eyes, they need a helping hand. We urge the San Diego City Council to end the contract with Flock Safety." Quote by Blair Overstreet Central San Diego Organizer ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties.

ACLU-SDIC Testimony – San Diego City Council Considers Whether to Continue Surveillance Use Policies

The following testimony outlines the ACLU-SDIC's opposition to the San Diego City Council continuing the city's contract with Flock Safety. This testimony was delivered before the San Diego City Council by ACLU-SDIC Central San Diego Organizer Blair Overstreet on December 9, 2025.

By Blair Overstreet

Quote graphic of Brisa Velazquez, ACLU-SDIC immigrants' rights staff attorney

ACLU-SDIC Testimony – San Diego County Board of Supervisors Considers Drafting CLEAR Ordinance

The following testimony outlines the ACLU-SDIC's support for drafting the Civil Liberties Enforcement and Accountability Rules (CLEAR) Ordinance. This testimony was delivered before the San Diego County Board of Supervisors by ACLU-SDIC Staff Attorney Brisa Velazquez October 21, 2025.

By Brisa Velazquez

ACLU-SDIC Testimony – San Diego City Council Considers Due Process & Safety Ordinance

The following testimony outlines the ACLU-SDIC's support for the Due Process & Safety Ordinance proposed. This testimony was delivered before the San Diego City Council by ACLU-SDIC Immigrants' Rights Staff Attorney Brisa Velazquez October 20, 2025.

By Brisa Velazquez

May 23, 2018

Neglect & Abuse of Unaccompanied Children by U.S. Customs and Border Protection

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (“CRCL”) is the agency within DHS that is, according to its own website, responsible for “promoting respect for civil rights and civil liberties in policy creation and implementation,” and for “investigating and resolving civil rights and civil liberties complaints filed by the public.”In response to our FOIA request, CRCL released approximately 4,600 pages of records, consisting of complaints submitted by legal service providers and immigrants’ rights advocates on behalf of migrant children detailing various forms of abuse. The CRCL records also consist of internal agency records documenting the limited investigations it undertook.The International Human Rights Clinic at the University of Chicago School of Law has written a report highlighting the experiences of migrant children (often asylum-seekers) who suffered verbal, physical, or sexual abuse from CBP officials. The appendix contains all of the original records cited in the report.REPORT: Neglect & Abuse of Unaccompanied Children by U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionAppendix: CRCL documents discussed in Report1-Pager Summary: English & SpanishFor the full set of CRCL documents, please visit http://bit.ly/cpbclcrdox

By Mitra Ebadolahi