ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties

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The American Civil Liberties Union is the nation's foremost advocate of individual rights - litigating, legislating, and educating the public on a broad array of issues affecting individual freedom in the United States. ***AVISO IMPORTANTE***
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To push back against Trump's aggressive federal agenda when he takes office, states and cities must now build firewalls ...
12/27/2024

To push back against Trump's aggressive federal agenda when he takes office, states and cities must now build firewalls for freedom to ensure its officials do not voluntarily assist in attacking our civil liberties and civil rights — and the ACLU is here to help.

Learn more about our plan to protect our civil rights and liberties during the second Trump administration: https://www.aclu.org/firewall-for-freedom-states-must-safeguard-our-rights

Happy holidays from the ACLU-SDIC staff!This holiday season let’s reflect on the power of community, compassion and just...
12/24/2024

Happy holidays from the ACLU-SDIC staff!

This holiday season let’s reflect on the power of community, compassion and justice. Together, we can create a better tomorrow. 🤝❤️

Every young person deserves a great education that prepares them for a bright future. That includes students of all race...
12/23/2024

Every young person deserves a great education that prepares them for a bright future. That includes students of all races, backgrounds, sexual orientations and genders.

When we focus on protecting the freedom to learn, we have the power to join together to demand better government funding for our schools, so that all students can attend safe, welcoming and well-resourced schools.

We created a toolkit for parents and students on how to advocate for change in your school district, a guide to help you figure out whether or how you can file a complaint for an issue you’re facing at your school, and a list of questions to ask school board candidates to learn their position on key issues on students’ civil rights and civil liberties.

Find the toolkit here: https://www.myschoolmyrights.com/freetolearn/

We applaud this historic act, a first for any president in our nation’s history, and join countless advocates across the...
12/23/2024

We applaud this historic act, a first for any president in our nation’s history, and join countless advocates across the political spectrum in thanking President Biden for his leadership and commitment to justice in this decision.

On Wednesday night, the ACLU-SDIC hosted our Open House and Volunteer Appreciation Event at our new El Centro office!Wit...
12/20/2024

On Wednesday night, the ACLU-SDIC hosted our Open House and Volunteer Appreciation Event at our new El Centro office!

With more than 50 community members, volunteers and staff in attendance, we celebrated with dinner, face painting, story time, a ribbon cutting and a volunteer appreciation ceremony for our amazing civic engagement program volunteers. Crystal Quezada, Imperial Valley regional director, and Norma Chávez-Peterson, executive director, gave remarks on the ACLU-SDIC's priorities and goals for the Imperial Valley.

We also unveiled our new ThemLiberty mural, made in collaboration with artist Tony Washington, and specifically created to highlight the Imperial Valley.

Thank you to all who joined us!

Private prisons and other corporate entities have submitted proposals to facilitate these expansions, including GEO Grou...
12/19/2024

Private prisons and other corporate entities have submitted proposals to facilitate these expansions, including GEO Group, Inc., CoreCivic and the MTC Corporation. These abusive detention facilities endanger lives and wreak havoc on immigrant communities.

“Felicia Gomez, immigrant rights senior policy advocate at the American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego [& Imperial C...
12/18/2024

“Felicia Gomez, immigrant rights senior policy advocate at the American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego [& Imperial Counties], which also supported the policy, said she was disappointed to see the sheriff’s action.

“‘San Diego has always been more than willing [to cooperate with immigration authorities] even though this collaboration is voluntary,’ she said."

“Despite the history, Gomez said the board’s vote, as well as laws such as SB 54, are indicative that legislators in the state are looking for ways to stop local resources from being used in federal deportations.

“‘It’s a good sign to see our local officials pass this resolution and make a clear statement on how they want our resources utilized,’ she said.”

Read the LA Times article: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-12-18/san-diego-sheriff-and-county-spar-over-immigration

ICYMI: On December 4, the ACLU participated in oral arguments in the Supreme Court case, US v. Skrmetti, a landmark case...
12/16/2024

ICYMI: On December 4, the ACLU participated in oral arguments in the Supreme Court case, US v. Skrmetti, a landmark case for trans rights.

We want you to help us and the ACLU of Tennessee thank the plaintiffs in this case for fighting boldly and valiantly for their right to gender-affirming care. 💌

Visit the 🔗 to share your thank you letter today: tinyurl.com/LWThankYou

Yesterday, Felicia Gomez, ACLU-SDIC immigrants’ rights senior policy advocate, submitted e-comment to the San Diego Coun...
12/11/2024

Yesterday, Felicia Gomez, ACLU-SDIC immigrants’ rights senior policy advocate, submitted e-comment to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors in support of Item 29 – a resolution to stop the county from using its resources to collaborate with federal immigration enforcement. And they listened!

While this is a crucial step towards keeping our communities and families together, it's essential to note that this resolution doesn't apply to the San Diego Sheriff's Office (SDSO). That's why we also urged the board to ensure the SDSO adopts this resolution or creates its own policy.

Join us in calling for a unified approach to immigrants’ rights! We must ensure all county agencies prioritize community trust and safety. Share your thoughts and let's keep the momentum going!

Read our e-comment here: https://www.aclu-sdic.org/en/news/san-diego-county-takes-step-towards-protecting-our-immigrant-communities-more-work-remains

On Saturday, our ACLU-SDIC volunteer leaders gathered for our Facing the Future event where we discussed how we can coll...
12/11/2024

On Saturday, our ACLU-SDIC volunteer leaders gathered for our Facing the Future event where we discussed how we can collectively resist threats to civil liberties posed by the incoming administration.

This powerful gathering also provided space for volunteers to learn more about our goals and priorities as we head into next year and to identify opportunities to grow our grassroots power. Thank you to all who joined us!

Interested in volunteering with us? Sign up here: https://action.aclu.org/volunteer/sdcal_volunteer

Today, we spoke before the San Diego County Board of Supervisors in opposition to proposed amendments to county procedur...
12/11/2024

Today, we spoke before the San Diego County Board of Supervisors in opposition to proposed amendments to county procedure regarding public comment.

Elevating inflammatory language to the level of conduct that warrants a 60-day ban on all public comment is antithetical to freedom of speech. Such a broad indictment of public discourse will infringe on the first amendment rights of San Diegans and undermine public participation in the democratic process.

Read our full testimony here: https://www.aclu-sdic.org/en/news/aclu-sdic-testimony-san-diego-county-board-supervisors-considers-amendments-county-procedure

[In the News] "In San Diego County, the sheriff’s department operates most of the jails. ICE used to have offices inside...
12/10/2024

[In the News]

"In San Diego County, the sheriff’s department operates most of the jails. ICE used to have offices inside the jails, but as the laws have shifted, that has changed, according to Felicia Gomez, senior policy advocate for immigrant rights at the American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego [&] Imperial Counties. Gomez said that ICE hasn’t interviewed anyone inside a county jail since 2022.

“'We’re very privileged to live in a state like California, especially going into the incoming administration, but that doesn’t mean we can’t build on it,' Gomez said."

Read the full article here: https://voiceofsandiego.org/2024/12/09/border-report-what-a-sanctuary-city-is-and-isnt/

Early this morning the ACLU-SDIC Imperial Valley team and volunteers participated in the 45th Annual Farmworker Apprecia...
12/07/2024

Early this morning the ACLU-SDIC Imperial Valley team and volunteers participated in the 45th Annual Farmworker Appreciation Event in Calexico. This event feeds thousands of farmworkers from 1:00am to 5:00am every year.

Our team provided warm socks to help our farmworkers get through the chilly Imperial Valley winter vegetable season. We also shared important Know Your Rights information to help them understand their civil rights and freedoms.

Agriculture is the backbone of our region. IV farmworkers labor in challenging conditions to produce and harvest food that feeds the nation. The ACLU is proud to honor our hardworking community...because “We the People” means everyone.

“According to the coalition, the stakes for the Imperial Valley are high as lithium extraction ramps up in a region alre...
12/05/2024

“According to the coalition, the stakes for the Imperial Valley are high as lithium extraction ramps up in a region already grappling with environmental and economic challenges. Speakers at the press conference detailed how unchecked development has historically left communities bearing the burden of industrial projects with little to show in return. Crystal Quezada, [Imperial Valley] regional director for the American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego [&] Imperial Counties, reflected on this history, cautioning that Lithium Valley must not follow the same trajectory.

“‘Imperial Valley can’t afford for history to repeat itself,’ she said. ‘If done correctly, Lithium Valley has the potential to meet all U.S. lithium demands while uplifting our historically marginalized and underserved communities.’”

Read the full article from the Calexico Chronicle here: https://calexicochronicle.com/2024/12/04/new-coalition-calls-for-justice-in-lithium-valley-development/

12/05/2024

The fight for equity in the lithium industry has reached a turning point with the launch of Valle Unido Por Beneficios Comunitarios.

Today, December 4, the U.S. Supreme Court is hearing U.S. v. Skrmetti, a case that will determine trans youth's access t...
12/04/2024

Today, December 4, the U.S. Supreme Court is hearing U.S. v. Skrmetti, a case that will determine trans youth's access to health care. The government should not be allowed to pick and choose who has access to essential care.

Yesterday, Crystal Quezada, Imperial Valley regional director for the ACLU-SDIC, spoke at a press conference announcing ...
12/03/2024

Yesterday, Crystal Quezada, Imperial Valley regional director for the ACLU-SDIC, spoke at a press conference announcing the formation of Valle Unido por Beneficios Comunitarios, a coalition brought together around the vision of a community-centered model for an equitable green energy transition that will benefit residents while minimizing environmental harm.

Along with the ACLU-SDIC, coalition members include Imperial Valley Equity & Justice, United Auto Workers Region 6, Jobs to Move America, Comite Civico del Valle, Earthworks and The Becoming Project. You can learn more about Valle Unido and the coalition’s work at www.valleunido.org.

This Giving Tuesday, we celebrate the fearless community-based organizations transforming lives every day. At the ACLU F...
12/03/2024

This Giving Tuesday, we celebrate the fearless community-based organizations transforming lives every day. At the ACLU Foundation of San Diego & Imperial Counties, we draw inspiration from their unwavering courage and dedication to protect the rights and uphold dignity of the people they serve, for the betterment of all in our region. Their work reminds us that justice is not just a dream – it’s a shared responsibility.

Today, we ask you to support our frontline partners who are directly serving people in our region. They are a lifeline for many – offering legal representation, shelter, case management and other vital services. Their work is crucial to protecting people who will be most impacted by this new wave of adversity.

Here, you’ll find four organizations leading the charge. We honor their efforts and invite you to support them as generously as you support us. By uplifting them, you are helping to ensure that “We the People” truly means all of us.

Al Otro Lado
Donate here: https://alotrolado.networkforgood.com/projects/63833-al-otro-lado-fund

Casa Arcoiris
Donate here: https://casaarcoiris.org/donaciones/

Casa Cornelia Law Center
Donate here: https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/casa-cornelia-law-center/endofyeargiving

North County LGBTQ Resource Center
Donate here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/SOnJgezumx-TVuvcOc148w

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