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 21, 2017

Bill to Address Secret and Unregulated Use of Jailhouse Informants Passes Out of Committee

Mar 16, 2017

In California, We the People Can Protect Our Values and Each Other

Mar 16, 2017

ACLU Statement on the California Chief Justice's Demand that Immigrant Agents Steer Clear of Courts

Please attribute the following statement to Jennie Pasquarella, director of immigrants' rights for the ACLU of California, following the request by the California Supreme Court chief justice to the Trump administration to keep immigration agents away from courthouses:

Mar 10, 2017

ACLU Files Class Action Lawsuit Against DHS Challenging Months - Long Delays in Bringing Detained Immigrants, Asylum Seekers Before Judges

Mar 06, 2017

Why the Only Way to Fix the Muslim Ban Is Not to Have a Muslim Ban

Feb 28, 2017

ACLU Criticizes City Council’s ‘Inexcusable Failure’ to Adopt Recommendations Addressing Biased Policing In Independent Study of SDPD Data

ACLU Statement by
Norma Chavez-Peterson
Executive Director ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties:

Feb 27, 2017

La ACLU de San Diego exige acción en cuanto a los hallazgos del estudio de la SDSU sobre el uso de perfiles raciales

Declaración de la ACLU por

Feb 27, 2017

ACLU of San Diego Demands Action on SDSU Racial Profiling Study Findings

(presented to the City Council by Christie Hill)
Good afternoon, Council President Cole and City Councilmembers. My name is Norma Chavez-Peterson. I am the Executive Director of the ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you.

I am especially grateful that last year’s PSLN Committee voted to refer this matter to the full Council with a thoughtful motion that sought to position us for

Feb 15, 2017

ACLU demanda a la ciudad de San Diego, exige que cambie la política su Departamento de Policía que permite la colección de ADN de menores sin consentimiento de los padres

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