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.” 
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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 30, 2012

Poway School District & the ACLU Resolve iPad Concern

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May 30, 2012

Parents and Teachers Sue School District, California for Violating Students’ Right to Equal Education Opportunities

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May 25, 2012

Collateral Damage -- America's Drug War

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May 25, 2012

SAVE THE DATE! The 11th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference

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May 23, 2012

Escondido Doubles Down: Protests Are Okay… Except Most of the Time

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Videos below of two different incidents in which the Escondido Police Department unlawfully relocated protesters and stopped them from videotaping a checkpoint.

Please note that by playing the YouTube clip above, YouTube will place a long-term cookie on your computer. Please see YouTube's privacy statement on their website to learn more. To view the ACLU's privacy statement, click here. 

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May 11, 2012

Not-So-Subtle Campaign to Pressure Parents to Cough Up for iPads

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May 11, 2012

Religious "Superstars” Shouldn’t Proselytize at Public School

After a speaker with a long history of religious proselytizing preached Christian doctrine to middle school students in the South Bay, the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties demanded that the Sweetwater Union High School District take immediate steps to comply with the state and federal constitutions by disclaiming any official endorsement of the speaker’s religious views and ensure that no similar violations happen again.

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May 10, 2012

Border Agents Charged with Abusing U.S. Citizens and Non-Citizens Alike

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May 10, 2012

Agentes fronterizos acusados de abusar de ciudadanos estadounidenses y extranjeros por igual

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