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


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

Job Announcement: Equity Staff Attorney

ACLU of San Diego Equity Staff Attorney

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Job Announcement: Legal Assistant

ACLU of San Diego Legal Assistant

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ACLU Statement on Donald Trump’s Election

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San Diego ACLU Condemns Anti-Muslim Assault

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ACLU Challenges California Ban on Ballot Selfies

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The ACLU of California filed suit Monday against Secretary of State Alex Padilla challenging two statutes that prohibit voters from sharing ballot selfies.

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SDACLU Executive Director's Statement on SDSU Study of SDPD Stop Data

Good afternoon, Council President Pro Tem Emerald and members of the committee.

Today’s conversation about SDSU’s analysis of SDPD traffic stop data is long overdue, and unfortunately the information we have been provided by the Mayor’s office leaves a lot of unanswered questions. Our first request is that the public be provided with specific information today regarding when the final report will be completed, and more importantly, when it will accessible for public review and comment.

When concerns are raised about racial bias in local policing, the response is often that San Diego is not Ferguson or Baltimore – meaning that there is no need to improve on police practices and relations in the region because massive numbers of people haven’t taken to the streets in protest. San Diego has not experienced civil unrest at the levels seen in other cities. Even so, there have been intimidating, brutal, and sometimes deadly encounters between law enforcement and

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The Path to Police Transparency

Release of SDPD traffic stop data analysis as promised is imperative for police transparency, accountability and public trust, says San Diego ACLU.

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SDACLU Statement Regarding Police Apology For ‘Historical Mistreatment of Communities of Color’

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San Diego ACLU Seeks Public Records Related to ECPD Officer’s Shooting of Alfred Olango

SAN DIEGO, CA – In response to community concerns about the conduct of law enforcement leading up to and in the aftermath of the killing of Alfred Olango, the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties sent public record requests to the County of San Diego and the City of El Cajon seeking information concerning policies and protocol for interacting with people experiencing mental health crises, and also El Cajon Police Department policies and protocol for responding to public protest.

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