Press Releases

Civil Rights Groups Tell Federal Appeals Court To Reject Total Immunity For Federal Officers Responsible For The 2020 Lafayette Square Brutal Attack on Racial Justice Demonstrators

"Holding the officers accountable for their vicious attack will ensure that this moment in history is not forgotten, and it will put federal officials on notice that they cannot trample our constitutional rights.”

ACLU-D.C. Names Maxine Davis as New Organizing Director

The American Civil Liberties Union of the District of Columbia announced that Maxine Davis has been named the new Organizing Director, joining a team of more than 20 staff working to protect and enhance civil liberties and civil rights in the nation's capital. 

Legal Organizations Sue ICE for Illegally Preventing Attorneys from Communicating with Detained Immigrants in Four States

"Everyone knows that when the government locks you up, you have a right to see a lawyer. But these ICE detention facilities make that nearly impossible for people in their custody. Our lawsuit seeks to make access to counsel a reality for these immigrants."

ACLU-D.C. Responds to Executive Order Pardoning People with Federal and D.C. Convictions for Simple Marijuana Possession

"The President's announcement is a victory for fairness, racial justice, and redemption in the District. Thousands persecuted for marijuana possession will get a second chance and not continue to face the consequences for behavior that is now legal in the District of Columbia."

ACLU of the District of Columbia Statement on resident's death at the D.C. Jail

The death of Treyvon Little marks the third death in the D.C. Jail this year. It is beyond time for the D.C. Council to hold DOC accountable for its neglect, poor living conditions, and treatment of residents at their facilities..

Federal Appeals Court Strikes Down Political Speech Restrictions on Administrative Employees of the Federal Court System

“The government tried to ban ordinary employees from political activities that are central to our democracy, like publicly expressing views on candidates for office. That’s exactly the type of overreach the First Amendment exists to correct.”

ACLU-D.C. Comment on Supreme Court’s Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade

"This decision casts a shameful shadow, but We the People can and will do what it takes to get through this excruciating moment together."

ACLU-DC Comment on Proposed Increase in MTPD Officers on Patrol

“Making the Metro safer means increasing accessibility, reliability, and affordability of our transit system for everyone in the DMV...Increasing police would undermine our goal of transit safety."