News & Commentary

Eddie Meyer quote graphic with blue background and white and yellow text that reads: "This ordinance helps protect basic constitutional rights for everyone who lives in, works in, or accesses San Diego County services or facilities."

ACLU-SDIC Testimony – San Diego County Board of Supervisors Considers CLEAR Ordinance

The following testimony outlines the ACLU-SDIC's support for the Civil Liberties Enforcement and Accountability Rules (CLEAR) Ordinance. This testimony was delivered before the San Diego County Board of Supervisors by ACLU-SDIC Immigrants' Rights Senior Policy Advocate on January 13, 2026.

By Eddie Meyer

Latest Press Release

Jan 23, 2026

ACLU-SDIC Launches EmpowerEd: A Three-Track Public Education Series

Amid ongoing federal actions affecting civil rights nationwide, the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties (ACLU-SDIC) is launching EmpowerEd: an educational series that provides the public with information on their rights, advocacy tools, and knowledge about existing laws and systems.

More from the Press

Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

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

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

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

Jun 08, 2021

ACLU-SDIC Testimony to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors in Support of Creating an Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs

The following is a prepared testimony urging the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to create an Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. The testimony was delivered to the Board of Supervisors by ACLU-SDIC Immigrant Rights and Binational Affairs Advocate Esmeralda Flores on June 8, 2021.

Testimonial Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs

May 04, 2021

ACLU-SDIC Testimony Urging the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to Invest in an Immigrant Legal Defense Program

The following is a prepared testimony urging the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to invest in an Immigrant Legal Defense Program. The testimony was delivered to the Board of Supervisors by ACLU-SDIC Immigrant Rights and Binational Affairs Advocate Esmeralda Flores on May 4, 2021.

Apr 20, 2021

ACLU Statement on Derek Chauvin Guilty Verdict

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Apr 13, 2021

ACLU-SDIC TESTIMONY URGING SD CITY COUNCIL TO PASS PrOTECT ORDINANCE

The following was a prepared testimony that urged the San Diego City Council to pass the PrOTECT ordinance. The testimony was delivered to San Diego City Council by ACLU-SDIC Policy Associate Chelsey Birgisdottir on April 13, 2021.

Apr 07, 2021

ACLU-SDIC TESTIMONY URGING SD COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO END PROJECT 100%

The following was a prepared testimony that urged the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to make telephone calls free in jails. The testimony was delivered to San Diego County Board of Supervisors by ACLU-SDIC Staff Attorney Jonathan Markovitz on April 6, 2021.

By Jonathan Markovitz

Mar 18, 2021

ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties’ Statement Condemning Anti-Asian Bias and Racial Intolerance

All communities should be safe from prejudice, hate and violence. The ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties grieves for the victims of Tuesday’s shooting in Atlanta. We offer our heartfelt support to all who are impacted by this horrific attack, especially Georgia’s Asian American community and our own.

By Edgar Hopida

Mar 10, 2021

CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST SAN DIEGO COUNTY SHERIFF SEEKS PROTECTION FOR PEOPLE IN JAILS FROM COVID-19

The ACLUF-SDIC, Community Advocates for Just & Moral Governance (MoGo); and Singleton, Schreiber, McKenzie & Scott, LLP (SSMS) filed a class action lawsuit demanding that San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore take steps to protect people incarcerated in local jails from exposure to COVID-19.

By Edward Sifuentes

Mar 03, 2021

ACLU-SDIC TESTIMONY URGING SD COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO MAKE TELEPHONE CALLS FREE IN JAILS

The following was a prepared testimony that urged the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to make telephone calls free in jails. The testimony was delivered to San Diego County Board of Supervisors by ACLU-SDIC Policy Associate Esmeralda Flores on March 2, 2021.

By Esmeralda Flores

Mar 02, 2021

ACLU-SDIC TESTIMONY URGING SD CITY COUNCIL TO SUPPORT PROTECT ORDINANCE

The following is a prepared testimony urging the San Diego City Council to support the PrOTECT ordinance. The testimony was delivered to San Diego City Council by ACLU-SDIC Policy Associate Chelsey Birgisdóttir on February 23, 2021.

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