On Friday, ICE deported two families, including three U.S. citizen children, one of whom was undergoing cancer treatment, along with a pregnant mother. The ACLU of Louisiana alleges these deportations violated due process, citing the families’ long-standing U.S. residency and lack of access to legal counsel. One mother was given less than a minute to contact legal aid before her call was cut off. This incident follows a similar case last month involving a child with brain cancer, raising serious concerns about the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
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The ACLU is urgently petitioning the Supreme Court, sounding the alarm that more deportations under the Alien Enemies Act are on the verge of happening. This isn’t just a legal matter; it’s a race against time to prevent what many perceive as imminent human rights violations.
The urgency of the situation is palpable. The fear is that these deportations will happen swiftly and secretly, perhaps even under the cover of a weekend, furthering concerns about due process. This clandestine approach fuels the perception of a deliberate attempt to circumvent judicial oversight and public scrutiny.
The Supreme Court has already issued an order temporarily halting these deportations, a move met with dissent from Justices Thomas and Alito.… Continue reading
Twelve students are suing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the head of the Pentagon school system for violating their First Amendment rights through widespread book bans targeting titles on race and gender. The lawsuit, filed by the ACLU, alleges that this censorship, stemming from Trump-era executive orders, harms students’ education and access to critical information. The bans affect DoDEA schools globally, impacting curriculum and even yearbook content. The plaintiffs seek the immediate reinstatement of removed books and curriculum materials.
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Following a community outcry and protests, a mother and her three children—ages 9, 15, and 18—were released from ICE custody. The family was detained during a March 27th raid in Sackets Harbor, New York, despite having no criminal ties and actively participating in the legal immigration process. Their detention sparked widespread condemnation from local officials, school administrators, and advocacy groups like the ACLU. Governor Hochul confirmed their release and return to Jefferson County. The family’s detention, thousands of miles from their home, highlighted the human cost of immigration enforcement policies.
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Following a series of immigration arrests in New Mexico, 48 individuals have disappeared into the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), prompting a federal complaint from the ACLU. ICE has not disclosed the detainees’ locations or conditions, leaving families in distress and attorneys unable to provide legal representation. This lack of transparency and accountability violates constitutional and international human rights standards, according to the ACLU. The situation highlights broader concerns regarding ICE’s detainee locator system, its accuracy, and potential deliberate obfuscation of detainee whereabouts.
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President Trump invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, citing a Venezuelan gang’s alleged invasion of the U.S., to justify mass deportations. A federal judge immediately issued a temporary restraining order, preventing the deportation of five Venezuelans already in government custody, arguing a delay wouldn’t harm the government. The judge’s action came hours after Trump’s announcement and in response to a lawsuit filed by the ACLU and Democracy Forward. The administration appealed the order, claiming it would impede national security actions.
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The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit against the University of Michigan on behalf of five students and one community member, alleging violations of their First Amendment rights. These individuals received campus-wide trespass bans after participating in pro-Palestinian protests, despite never facing formal charges. The lawsuit argues the university abused its authority by issuing these bans, disrupting the individuals’ lives and education. The plaintiffs seek to overturn the bans and prevent future misuse of trespassing restrictions. The case highlights the ongoing tension surrounding free speech and protest activity on college campuses in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
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The ACLU filed suit against President Trump’s executive order attempting to revoke birthright citizenship, arguing it directly contradicts the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of citizenship to all persons born in the U.S. The suit, filed in New Hampshire on behalf of affected families, claims the order violates both the 14th Amendment and the Administrative Procedures Act. While the administration acknowledged potential legal issues by suggesting a prospective application of the order, the ACLU maintains the order is unconstitutional and a repudiation of American values. The ACLU is confident of prevailing in its challenge to this executive action.
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A lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Florida challenges Governor Ron DeSantis’s failure to schedule special elections for two vacant Florida legislature seats. Plaintiffs argue this inaction violates the state constitution and established precedent, depriving constituents of representation. The governor’s delay contrasts with the swift actions of previous governors in similar situations. This is not the first time DeSantis has faced legal action for neglecting to call special elections. The lawsuit asserts the governor’s refusal is both unlawful and undermines democratic principles.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood