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.”

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

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.

Stay Informed

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