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

Mar 16, 2018

Civic Engagement: Phone Banking

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Mar 16, 2018

Civic Engagement: Phone Banking

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Mar 12, 2018

ACLU of San Diego To Join Faith Leaders and Elected Officials To Urge Trump to Solve the DACA Crisis He Created

SAN DIEGO – While President Trump visits his border wall prototypes in Otay Mesa on Tuesday, the ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties will join faith leaders and elected officials to reject his cruel anti-immigrant agenda at 12 pm in San Ysidro.

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Mar 07, 2018

ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties Hires Distinguished Imperial Valley Native

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Mar 07, 2018

ACLU of California Statement On Trump Administration’s Lawsuit Against California Over Its Pro-Immigrant Legislation

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Mar 01, 2018

Spread California Love for the Defiant Ones

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Feb 22, 2018

Reflections On What Remains To Be Done After Police Chief Zimmerman Retires

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Feb 13, 2018

ACLU Wins Suit Over Individuals’ Right to Protest and Monitor Border Patrol Checkpoint Operations

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Feb 12, 2018

Will the Next Chief of Police ‘Protect and Serve’ All San Diegans Fairly, Equally and Effectively?

Assistant Chief Nisleit must answer key questions to demonstrate the SDPD will ‘protect and serve’ all San Diegans fairly, equally and effectively under his leadership.Testimony of ACLU Senior Policy Strategist Christie Hill offers insights, raises questions at first of two City Council hearings to confirm next Chief of Police.

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