Press Releases

ACLU-D.C. lawyers and advocates are among the nation's leading experts on civil liberties and constitutional freedoms. They are regularly sought out by leading broadcast, print and online media to lend an essential voice to the conversation about some of the most important issues facing the nation and the District. For all press inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

Dec 07, 2023

ACLU-D.C. Statement on Real-time Surveillance Center in D.C.

Unchecked government surveillance does not improve public safety, and it threatens the rights of all community members. Real public safety requires transparency, safeguards, and accountability.
Issue Areas: Criminal Justice Reform
Nov 16, 2023

ACLU-D.C. Statement on Recent Police Violence against Free Palestine Demonstrators

A concerning incident occurred at the Democratic Party Headquarters in Washington D.C., where protesters advocating for the “Let Gaza Live” movement faced violent police action from local and Capitol forces. The government must ensure that demonstrators’ First Amendment rights are protected.
Issue Areas: Police Practices and Police Misconduct
Aug 28, 2023

D.C. Department of Corrections Stops Denying Kosher Meals to Jewish Residents of the D.C. Jail

The D.C. Department of Corrections has revised its religious diet policy in response to a lawsuit brought by the ACLU of the District of Columbia on behalf of Riley Benjamin, a Jewish resident.
Issue Areas: Religious Liberty, Criminal Justice Reform, Equal Protection and Discrimination
Aug 10, 2023

ACLU-D.C. Files Religious Freedom Lawsuit Against the D.C. Department of Corrections

ACLU-D.C. sues D.C. Department of Corrections, challenging the denial of kosher meals to Jewish inmates without external faith verification, violating religious rights.
Issue Areas: Religious Liberty, Criminal Justice Reform, Equal Protection and Discrimination
Jul 06, 2023

Lawsuit Challenges Unequal Response to Mental Health Emergencies in Washington, DC

We’re representing Bread for the City in a federal lawsuit challenging the District’s practice of sending police to mental health emergencies instead of mental health professionals.
Issue Areas: Racial Justice, Police Practices and Police Misconduct, Disability Rights, Equal Protection and Discrimination
Jun 23, 2023

Immigrants’ Rights Advocates Sue Government Over Asylum Ban and Rapid Deportation Process that Places Asylum Seekers in Grave Danger

“The previous administration tried to build a physical wall at the border, and now the current administration is trying to build a procedural wall at the border. Both are unlawful."
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights
Jun 23, 2023

COURT OF APPEALS DENIES CONSTITUTIONAL CLAIMS AGAINST FEDERAL OFFICIALS FOR POLICE ATTACK ON CIVIL RIGHTS DEMONSTRATORS NEAR WHITE HOUSE  

The Court is blocking us from holding federal officials responsible for attacking me and other demonstrators when we exercised our right to protest police brutality and racism.
Issue Areas: Criminal Justice Reform, Racial Justice, Police Practices and Police Misconduct, Freedom of Speech and Association