News & Commentary

Eddie Meyer, Senior Policy Advocate at the ACLU-SDIC, gives public testimony at the San Diego City Council meeting. He is bald, wears black glasses, is wearing a black suit with a blue collared shirt and a purple tie. At the bottom of the image is a running header, that says "San Diego City Council; Item 330; September 15, 2026". Underneath is another bar that says "Resolution Adopting a Working Definition of Islamophobia as an Educational Tool".

ACLU-SDIC Public Comment - Support for San Diego City Council's Anti-Muslim Hate Resolution

The following prepared public comment outlines the ACLU-SDIC's support for a resolution advocating for the passage of the Anti-Muslim Hate Resolution. This public comment was delivered before the San Diego City Council by ACLU-SDIC Senior Policy Advocate Eddie Meyer on September 15, 2026.

By Eddie Meyer

Latest Press Release

Sep 16, 2026

Federal Court Blocks Unlawful Warrantless Immigration Arrests in Southern California

Ruling requires federal agents to assess escape risk before making a warrantless arrest and also certifies case as class action
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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

Graphic with black background and red graphic. Photos include a megaphone, a sign that says "ICE doesn't protect ICE kills" and a photo of "Police ICE".

ACLU-SDIC Public Comment – Support for San Diego County Board of Supervisors Board Letter Regarding AB 2760 to Prohibit Shock Gloves

The following prepared public comment outlines the ACLU-SDIC's support for a Board Letter advocating for the passage of California Assembly Bill 2760. This public comment was delivered before the San Diego County Board of Supervisors by ACLU-SDIC Senior Policy Advocate Eddie Meyer on September 1, 2026.

By Eddie Meyer

Sign that says San Diego says Flock Off!

ACLU-SDIC Public Comment – End City of San Diego's ALPR Contracts

The following public comment outlines the ACLU-SDIC's support for ending the City of San Diego's automated license plate reader (ALPR) system contracts. This public comment was delivered before the San Diego City Council Public Safety Committee meeting by ACLU-SDIC Senior Policy Advocate Branden Sigua on August 19, 2026.

By Branden Sigua

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

Jan 27, 2026

ACLU-SDIC Testimony – San Diego County Board of Supervisors Holds Community Input Session on Budget Priorities

The following public comment outlines the ACLU-SDIC's support for the Immigrant Legal Defense Program (ILDP) and other safety-net programs in the San Diego County budget. This public comment was delivered before the San Diego County Board of Supervisors by ACLU-SDIC Immigrants' Rights Senior Policy Advocate Eddie Meyer on January 27, 2026.

By Eddie Meyer

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Jan 13, 2026

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

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."
Dec 09, 2025

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

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.
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.

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