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

Latest Press Release


The ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties Launches Local Civic Engagement Campaigns

Nationwide, our communities are experiencing a coordinated attack on our civil rights designed to make us feel overwhelmed and powerless.
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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

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

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 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

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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

NOMBRAMIENTO DEL FISCAL INTERINO DEL CONDADO DE SAN DIEGO ES UN AGRAVIO AL PROCESO DEMOCRÁTICO

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Board of Supervisors Appointment of Interim District Attorney is an Affront to the Democratic Process

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Advocates Vow to Double Down on Efforts to Reform California’s Money Bail System

The California Money Bail Reform Act is sponsored by the American Civil Liberties Union of California, the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, Californians for Safety and Justice, the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Essie Justice Group, the California Public Defenders Association, Silicon Valley De-Bug, SEIU California, and the Western Center on Law and Poverty.
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What Did We Really Learn About Biased Policing In San Diego?

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ACLU: City of Vista Must Permit Peaceful Protests Outside Rep. Darrell Issa’s Office

SAN DIEGO – The ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties sent a letter today asking the City of Vista to remove unconstitutional conditions on peaceful protests outside Rep. Darrell Issa’s office. For months, people have been gathering for demonstrations near the congressman’s office on the 1800 block of Thibodo Road. Earlier this year, Ellen Montanari, the organizer of the weekly protest, requested a permit from the city and was issued one effective through April 25. She later requested a longer permit but was issued one with an increased number of conditions that expired on May 31.David Loy, Legal Director with the ACLU-SDIC, said the conditions on the permit are inappropriate and unconstitutional, especially the requirement to move the protest across the street, 100 feet from the office. “The First Amendment means that the government can’t tell the people where and how to protest in a public forum, unless it passes a strict test. The city failed that test.”Ms. Montanari applied for a permit last month and asked the city to extend it through the summer, but the city has waited until this morning to issue a new permit and only through June 30. Throughout the protests, she has worked cooperatively with the city and law enforcement officers to ensure that the events are peaceful and safe, including the use of volunteer monitors and pylons and safety tape.There is no justifiable reason not to allow the protests to continue on the sidewalk, Loy said.“By organizing a protest on a public sidewalk, Ms. Montanari is engaging in political speech that is guaranteed the highest level of protection,” Loy wrote.A copy of the ACLU letter to the City of Vista can be found here.

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California Senate Approves Bail Reform Legislation

The California Money Bail Reform Act is sponsored by the American Civil Liberties Union of California, the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, Californians for Safety and Justice, the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Essie Justice Group, the California Public Defenders Association, Silicon Valley De-Bug, SEIU California, and the Western Center on Law and Poverty.
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Federal Appeals Court Rules Trump Muslim Ban Unconstitutional

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Leading Civil Rights Organizations Settle Discrimination Lawsuit Against the City of Escondido

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ACLU Executive Director’s TED Talk: Democracy Must Not Be Spectator Sport

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