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 30, 2026

Groups Representing Plaintiffs and ACLU-SDIC Respond to Supreme Court Birthright Citizenship Ruling

In a major victory, the U.S. Supreme Court today ruled that President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to restrict birthright citizenship is unconstitutional.
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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

Nov 18, 2025

ACLU-SDIC Testimony – Vista City Council Considers the Community Safety and Due Process Resolution

The following testimony outlines the ACLU-SDIC's support for the Vista Community Safety and Due Process Resolution. This testimony was delivered before the Vista City Council by ACLU-SDIC Managing Policy Director Nalini Gupta on November 18, 2025.

Quote in white text from Nalini Gupta, ACLU-SDIC managing policy director
Oct 21, 2025

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

Quote graphic of Brisa Velazquez, ACLU-SDIC immigrants' rights staff attorney
Oct 20, 2025

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

Brisa Velazquez quote
Sep 09, 2025

ACLU-SDIC Testimony – San Diego County Board of Supervisors Considers Expansion of Immigrant Legal Defense Program to Include Unaccompanied Minors

The following testimony outlines the ACLU-SDIC's support for the expansion of the Immigrant Legal Defense Program to include unaccompanied minors. This testimony was delivered before the San Diego County Board of Supervisors by ACLU-SDIC Senior Policy Advocate Branden C. Sigua on September 9. 2025.

By Branden Sigua

Pink background with white text reads quote from Branden C. Sigua, Senior Policy Advocate: "Under U.S. immigration policy people, including unaccompanied minors, seeking asylum or facing deportation are not provided court-appointed counsel. This is fundamentally unjust. ALL people deserve due process." ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties logo.
Jun 03, 2025

ACLU-SDIC Testimony – San Diego County Budget Hearing

The following testimony outlines the ACLU-SDIC’s support of the Immigrant Legal Defense Program, LGBTQ housing services and budget transparency. This testimony was delivered before the San Diego County Board of Supervisors by ACLU-SDIC Senior Policy Advocate Branden C. Sigua on June 3, 2025.

Branden testimony
Apr 23, 2025

ACLU-SDIC Testimony—San Diego County Board of Supervisors Meeting on the 2025 TRUTH Act Forum

The following prepared testimony urges the San Diego Sheriff’s Office to stop all collaboration with ICE and to fully adopt the county’s sanctuary policy. This testimony was delivered at the 2025 TRUTH Act forum by ACLU-SDIC Senior Organizer Jeffrey Karahamuheto on April 22, 2025.

Purple background with white quote
Apr 08, 2025

ACLU-SDIC Testimony—San Diego County Board of Supervisors Meeting regarding the Immigrant Rights Legal Defense Program (IRLDP)

The following prepared testimony outlines the ACLU-SDIC's neutral position on and calls for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to take specific actions in response to a board letter regarding the Immigrants' Rights Legal Defense Program.

ACLU-SDIC Testimony Quote
Mar 25, 2025

ACLU-SDIC Public Testimony – El Cajon City Council Considers Resolution to Adopt IHRA Definition of Antisemitism

The following prepared testimony urges the El Cajon City Council to oppose a proposed resolution to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism. This testimony was delivered by ACLU-SDIC Interim Managing Legal Director Julia Gomez on March 25, 2025.

Julia Gomez quote graphic
Mar 21, 2025

Letter to the Calexico City Council in opposition to the city’s proposed camping ban

On March 19, 2025, the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties (ACLU-SDIC) sent a public comment letter to the Calexico City Council in opposition to the city’s proposed camping ban. The ACLU-SDIC, along with community partners and volunteers, attended the meeting and highlighted portions of the letter, specifically the legal and policy concerns of such a ban. We proposed a Housing First approach, which focuses on getting people into their own affordable, permanent housing, as opposed to the punitive approach of a camping ban. Unfortunately, the city council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance, and it will go into effect in 30 days.

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