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


Groups Representing Plaintiffs and ACLU-SDIC Respond to Supreme Court Birthright Citizenship Ruling

In a major victory, the U.S. Supreme Court today ruled that President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to restrict birthright citizenship is unconstitutional.
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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

ACLU-SDIC Testimony – San Diego County Board of Supervisors Prop 36 Resolution

The following prepared testimony urges the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to vote “no” on the resolution to support Proposition 36. The testimony was delivered to the board by ACLU-SDIC Advancing Racial & Economic Justice Policy Advocate Anjleena Kour Sahni on Aug. 27, 2024.

Quote graphic "Prop 36 is a dangerous measure built on false narratives."

ACLU-SDIC Testimony – San Diego County Board of Supervisors Encampment Ban

The following prepared testimony urges the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to refrain from establishing an encampment ban. The testimony was delivered to the board by ACLU-SDIC Advancing Racial & Economic Justice Policy Advocate Anjleena Kour Sahni on Aug. 27, 2024.

Quote from encampment ban testimony

ACLU-SDIC Testimony – San Diego County Board of Supervisors Banned Books Board Letter

The following prepared testimony urges the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to support county residents’ freedom to read banned books. The testimony was delivered to the board by ACLU-SDIC Advancing Racial & Economic Justice Policy Advocate Anjleena Kour Sahni on Aug. 27, 2024.

Graphic with blue background. White quote text with quote from testimony.

ACLU-SDIC Testimony – California Energy Commission’s "Preliminary Staff Assessment (PSA) Technical and Mitigation Workshop"

The testimony below was given by Crystal Quezada, Imperial Valley regional director, during the California Energy Commission’s Preliminary Staff Assessment Technical and Mitigation workshop on July 31, 2024, for three planned geothermal projects in north end Imperial County.

Crystal Quezada

ACLUs In California Respond to Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order on Encampments

California’s fundamental obligation is to safeguard the health, safety, and well-being of every resident, regardless of their housing status.

Newsome Executive Order

Letter to UCSD Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla regarding Protecting Student Speech

Schools have a duty to keep all students safe from violence, discrimination and censorship. It is UC San Diego’s responsibility to ensure the safety of all students – including safety from police violence.

Letter to UCSD

ACLU-SDIC Testimony – Calexico City Council Meeting

On May 8, 2024, Marylin Carrillo, ACLU-SDIC Imperial Valley community liaison, gave testimony at the Calexico City Council meeting urging the council to approve the bid submitted by the Calexico United Methodist Church to create a welcome center to provide assistance for people seeking asylum...

Marylin Testimony

Campus Protests: Statement by ACLU-SDIC Executive Director Norma Chávez-Peterson

In response to student-led protests at San Diego State University (SDSU), the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and other higher education institutions in our region, American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego & Imperial Counties (ACLU-SDIC) Executive Director Norma Chávez-Peterson.

STATEMENT STUDENT PROTESTS

ACLU-SDIC Testimony to the City of San Diego—Evening Budget Hearing

The following is prepared testimony urging San Diego City Council to continue investing in programs that promote equitable and inclusive opportunities. It was delivered by Felicia Gomez, ACLU-SDIC immigrants’ rights senior policy advocate, on May 1, 2024.

Felicia Testimony