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

Jun 09, 2026

Workers and Advocacy Groups Challenge DHS’s Illegal Warrantless Arrest Policy

DHS practice amounts to “arrest people and ask questions later.”

More from the Press

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 15, 2013

California Makes Historic Leap to Bring Millions into the Democratic Process

# # #

May 08, 2013

Important Voting Rights Bill Clears Assembly Elections Committee

May 02, 2013

California Senate Approves Common Sense Drug Sentencing Reform Bill

Apr 30, 2013

Advocating for LGBTQ Youth

Apr 24, 2013

Students, Parents, and Teachers Sue the State of California For Abandoning Thousands of California’s English Learner Schoolchildren

Los Angeles—California has abandoned thousands of schoolchildren seeking to learn English despite legal obligations and earmarked funding for this instruction, charged the ACLU of California and allies in a civil rights lawsuit. The suit seeks to compel the state to take action in response to widespread admissions by school districts, published on the California Department of Education website, that they are failing to provide any English Learner services to eligible schoolchildren.

Apr 24, 2013

¡Victoria de la ACLU! Corte Federal Ordena que se Provea Representación Legal a los Inmigrantes con Discapacidades Mentales Detenidos

Apr 24, 2013

Estudiantes, Padres de Familia y Maestros Demandan al Estado de California por la Negación Generalizada de la Enseñanza del Inglés a los Estudiantes Aprendices de Inglés

Apr 23, 2013

ACLU Victory! Federal Court Orders Legal Representation for Immigrant Detainees With Mental Disabilities

# # #

Apr 21, 2013

ACLU Statement on Miranda Rights of Boston Bombings Suspect

Stay Informed

By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy statement.