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

May 13, 2014

Blacks Twice as Likely to be Stopped, Three Times as Likely to be Searched

May 09, 2014

California Congressmembers Push Back on DHS over Driver’s Licenses for Immigrants

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About the Drive California Coalition
Drive California is comprised of a wide range of civil and immigrants’ rights organizations working to ensure to successful implementation of California’s landmark drivers’ license program for immigrants. Members include, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Los Angeles (AAAJ-LA), the American Civil Liberties Union of California (ACLU-CA), the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), the California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC), Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), Council on American-Islamic Relations California (CAIR-CA), Educators for Fair Consideration (E4FC), Justice for Immigrants Coalition in San Bernardino (JFIC), Pacific Institute for Community Organization (PICO), Presente, the Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network (SIREN), and TODEC – Training Occupational Development Educating Communities.

Members of California's Congressional Delegation Who Signed On to Rep. Vargas's Letter

Rep. Juan Vargas (51st CD)
Rep. Xavier Becerra (34th CD)
Rep. Julia Brownley (26th CD)
Rep. Tony Cárdenas (29th CD)
Rep. Judy Chu (32nd CD)
Rep. Sam Farr (20th CD)
Rep. Janice Hahn (44th CD)
Rep. Mike Honda (17th CD)
rep. Jared Huffman (2nd CD)
Rep. Barbara Lee (13th CD)
Rep. Alan Lowenthal (47th CD)
Rep. Doris Matsui (6th CD)
Rep. Gloria Negrete McLeod (35th CD)
Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (40th CD)
Rep. Loretta Sanchez (46th CD)
Rep. Adam Schiff (28th CD)
Rep. Eric Swalwell (15th CD)
Rep. Mark Takano (41st CD)
Rep. Mike Thompson (5th CD)

May 09, 2014

DMV Releases Draft Regulations on Driver's Licenses under AB 60

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) released draft regulations today that outline the potential process and requirements necessary for undocumented immigrants living in California to apply for driver licenses.
Since October 2013, when