ACLU of Nebraska
@aclune.bsky.social
A nonprofit, nonpartisan, legal and advocacy 501(c)(4) org working to protect our rights. Visit aclunebraska.org for more about us and our affiliated 501(c)(3) org.
Recent reporting on the TSA and ICE collaborating suggests traveling through U.S. airports can carry more risk this year for people with no, pending, or uncertain legal immigration status. Make sure you know your rights while traveling this holiday season.
Know Your Rights | Enforcement at the Airport | ACLU
At the border, you are likely to encounter Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, and you may encounter Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents. HSI is part of U.S. Immigration and Custom...
www.aclu.org
December 22, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Recent reporting on the TSA and ICE collaborating suggests traveling through U.S. airports can carry more risk this year for people with no, pending, or uncertain legal immigration status. Make sure you know your rights while traveling this holiday season.
State law says members of the Nebraska Legislature "shall be allowed to visit any facility in the Department of Correctional Services at any time." A tightly controlled walkthrough more than a month after a senator first sought access is a far cry from meaningful oversight.
Nebraska lawmakers invited to McCook ICE facility, but reps continue call for unscheduled access
Despite a newly scheduled tour, some Nebraska lawmakers continue to push for their right to access the state-run, federally funded facility in McCook as they please.
www.ketv.com
December 12, 2025 at 6:58 PM
State law says members of the Nebraska Legislature "shall be allowed to visit any facility in the Department of Correctional Services at any time." A tightly controlled walkthrough more than a month after a senator first sought access is a far cry from meaningful oversight.
Reposted by ACLU of Nebraska
On December 17, the House of Representatives will vote on a bill that would criminalize gender-affirming care for youth.
Tell Congress to protect health care for trans youth and their families NOW.
Tell Congress to protect health care for trans youth and their families NOW.
Protect Trans Care Now
As wave after wave of extreme measures to criminalize and strip trans people of rights and safety continue, tell Congress to act.
action.aclu.org
December 12, 2025 at 5:16 PM
On December 17, the House of Representatives will vote on a bill that would criminalize gender-affirming care for youth.
Tell Congress to protect health care for trans youth and their families NOW.
Tell Congress to protect health care for trans youth and their families NOW.
This is simple: the First Amendment protects a broad range of speech everywhere, including campus, and the government’s response to a protest should have nothing to do with how a politician feels about a cause.
How Gov. Jim Pillen said he prevented pro-Palestinian protests on UNL campus
"If one student puts a stake in the ground, we’re arresting them. We’re not letting this crap take place in Nebraska,” the governor recalled telling NU President Jeffrey Gold.
theindependent.com
December 6, 2025 at 3:20 PM
This is simple: the First Amendment protects a broad range of speech everywhere, including campus, and the government’s response to a protest should have nothing to do with how a politician feels about a cause.
Respect Nebraska Voters wants to make it harder for lawmakers to undo what we all vote for while also protecting direct democracy in Nebraska. Of course we're in support and proud to be part of the coalition.
‘Respect Nebraska Voters’ Petition Aims to Bolster Other Ballot Measures
A new ballot measure seeks to raise the threshold of Nebraska lawmakers necessary to overturn or alter success...
klin.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:18 AM
Respect Nebraska Voters wants to make it harder for lawmakers to undo what we all vote for while also protecting direct democracy in Nebraska. Of course we're in support and proud to be part of the coalition.
From coverage about an Indigenous woman wrongly flagged for deportation:
"The ICE field office for the midwest region did not answer questions about whether they verify existing detainers for accuracy or what their processes are for ensuring Native Americans aren’t being detained."
"The ICE field office for the midwest region did not answer questions about whether they verify existing detainers for accuracy or what their processes are for ensuring Native Americans aren’t being detained."
Native American woman nearly deported after Polk County Jail issues ICE detainer by mistake
A Native American woman from Arizona was nearly deported by federal immigration officials after a clerical error at the Polk County Jail. The woman's family had to scramble to prove she was Indigenous...
www.iowapublicradio.org
November 17, 2025 at 9:30 PM
From coverage about an Indigenous woman wrongly flagged for deportation:
"The ICE field office for the midwest region did not answer questions about whether they verify existing detainers for accuracy or what their processes are for ensuring Native Americans aren’t being detained."
"The ICE field office for the midwest region did not answer questions about whether they verify existing detainers for accuracy or what their processes are for ensuring Native Americans aren’t being detained."
Knowledge is power. Join us for a Know Your Rights virtual training on December 2, at 6:00 pm CT/5:00 pm MT. Sign up here: act.aclu.org/a/immigrants...
November 13, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Knowledge is power. Join us for a Know Your Rights virtual training on December 2, at 6:00 pm CT/5:00 pm MT. Sign up here: act.aclu.org/a/immigrants...
Lawmakers put vague claims about national security over basic common sense when they mandated businesses and nonprofits make what are essentially loyalty pledges. The Intercept’s coverage - diving into the law’s impacts and origin - is worth your time.
Dark Money Drives Anti-China Crackdown Across State Legislatures
A spate of state-level legislation backed by dark money purports to curb China’s influence but could spur a “second Red Scare.”
theintercept.com
November 1, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Lawmakers put vague claims about national security over basic common sense when they mandated businesses and nonprofits make what are essentially loyalty pledges. The Intercept’s coverage - diving into the law’s impacts and origin - is worth your time.
After weeks of delays and public record request denials, Gov. Jim Pillen’s office has released the contract that facilitates the state’s repurposing of a McCook state prison facility into a state-owned ICE detention center. It raises new questions and concerns.
Contract for ICE Detention Camp Raises New Questions - ACLU of Nebraska
After weeks of delays and public record request denials, Gov. Jim Pillen’s office has released the contract.
www.aclunebraska.org
October 17, 2025 at 9:16 PM
After weeks of delays and public record request denials, Gov. Jim Pillen’s office has released the contract that facilitates the state’s repurposing of a McCook state prison facility into a state-owned ICE detention center. It raises new questions and concerns.
NEWS: Former State Sen. DiAnna Schimek and 13 Red Willow County residents are suing to stop Gov. Pillen’s plans to repurpose a McCook prison facility into an ICE detention camp. The lawsuit argues the governor is acting beyond his authority.
Former state senator sues over planned Nebraska ICE facility
Plaintiffs demand that the state stop using public funds to repurpose a prison to be used by ICE.
courthousenews.com
October 16, 2025 at 10:03 PM
NEWS: Former State Sen. DiAnna Schimek and 13 Red Willow County residents are suing to stop Gov. Pillen’s plans to repurpose a McCook prison facility into an ICE detention camp. The lawsuit argues the governor is acting beyond his authority.
As the opening of a Nebraska ICE detention camp gets closer, Gov. Pillen and his staff are refusing to provide information in response to public records requests.
What are they so afraid of Nebraskans seeing?
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/14/r...
What are they so afraid of Nebraskans seeing?
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/14/r...
Requests denied: Nebraska turns down records requests on McCook-ICE jail • Nebraska Examiner
The Governor's Office has denied at least nine records requests regarding repurposing the McCook Work Ethic Camp.
nebraskaexaminer.com
October 14, 2025 at 8:31 PM
As the opening of a Nebraska ICE detention camp gets closer, Gov. Pillen and his staff are refusing to provide information in response to public records requests.
What are they so afraid of Nebraskans seeing?
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/14/r...
What are they so afraid of Nebraskans seeing?
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/14/r...
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a reminder: Indigenous communities deserve justice, sovereignty, and visibility — every day.
October 13, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a reminder: Indigenous communities deserve justice, sovereignty, and visibility — every day.
Let’s be clear about this: partnerships with ICE only lead to more separated families and rights violations.
Douglas County Sheriff urges ICE detention contract for jail, County Board chair balks • Nebraska Examiner
The Douglas County sheriff seeks an ICE detention contract for a jail in Nebraska's most populous county, but County Board chair balks.
nebraskaexaminer.com
October 10, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Let’s be clear about this: partnerships with ICE only lead to more separated families and rights violations.
It's the same headline year after year: Nebraska remains home to some of the most overcrowded prisons in the country. We can't build our way out of prison overcrowding. It's past time for meaningful reform to get people out and keep people out.
Nebraska ranks near top of U.S. in prison overcrowding, OIG of Corrections reports
Nebraska ranks first in prison overcrowding when measured by operational capacity, second behind Alabama where the crowding is measured by design capacity.
journalstar.com
October 6, 2025 at 5:02 PM
It's the same headline year after year: Nebraska remains home to some of the most overcrowded prisons in the country. We can't build our way out of prison overcrowding. It's past time for meaningful reform to get people out and keep people out.
Today, Nebraska’s new paid sick leave law goes into effect, a win that will give more workers than ever before the ability to care for their health without risking their paycheck. Voters supported this change with 75% approval last fall, making it clear that we value healthy families and workplaces.
Nebraska law requiring paid sick leave goes into effect in October
All employees will be required to receive paid sick leave, with exceptions of those under 16, seasonal agriculture workers and small businesses with 10 or fewer employees.
www.ketv.com
October 1, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Today, Nebraska’s new paid sick leave law goes into effect, a win that will give more workers than ever before the ability to care for their health without risking their paycheck. Voters supported this change with 75% approval last fall, making it clear that we value healthy families and workplaces.
The Omaha City Council just decided to delay a vote on an ordinance that would threaten people experiencing homelessness with jail time and fines. This came after a public hearing where Omahans said loud and clear that we want to see officials focused on real solutions. Keep emailing and calling.
Tell Omaha's City Council: Don't Criminalize Homelessness
Please take action!
action.aclu.org
September 30, 2025 at 8:42 PM
The Omaha City Council just decided to delay a vote on an ordinance that would threaten people experiencing homelessness with jail time and fines. This came after a public hearing where Omahans said loud and clear that we want to see officials focused on real solutions. Keep emailing and calling.
Celebrated as a hometown hero on Saturday, pulled over at gunpoint hours later. What Bud Crawford experienced at this traffic stop is all too familiar for many Black and Brown Nebraskans. We'll keep saying it: overpolicing is not making our communities safer.
Footage Of Terence Crawford Gunpoint Police Stop Circulates As Omaha Mayor Responds
Undisputed super middleweight champion Terence Crawford was the recipient of a victory parade in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, on September 28, which was the
www.si.com
September 28, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Celebrated as a hometown hero on Saturday, pulled over at gunpoint hours later. What Bud Crawford experienced at this traffic stop is all too familiar for many Black and Brown Nebraskans. We'll keep saying it: overpolicing is not making our communities safer.
The new presidential memorandum that calls for investigations into activists, nonprofits, and donors tries to link domestic terrorism to so-called "extremism on migration, race, and gender."
This is about silencing dissent, pure and simple, but the president cannot rewrite the Constitution by memo.
This is about silencing dissent, pure and simple, but the president cannot rewrite the Constitution by memo.
September 26, 2025 at 3:14 PM
The new presidential memorandum that calls for investigations into activists, nonprofits, and donors tries to link domestic terrorism to so-called "extremism on migration, race, and gender."
This is about silencing dissent, pure and simple, but the president cannot rewrite the Constitution by memo.
This is about silencing dissent, pure and simple, but the president cannot rewrite the Constitution by memo.
The Justice Department wants access to Nebraska voters' private information, including partial Social Security numbers. We’ve urged our secretary of state to safeguard Nebraskans' information by sharing only what's already publicly available.
Nebraska mulling request to turn over voter information to Justice Department
The Justice Department requested the full name, date of birth, address, state driver's license number and partial Social Security numbers for all registered voters in Nebraska.
journalstar.com
September 20, 2025 at 7:55 PM
The Justice Department wants access to Nebraska voters' private information, including partial Social Security numbers. We’ve urged our secretary of state to safeguard Nebraskans' information by sharing only what's already publicly available.
We're so grateful for Sen. Juarez standing up for our communities and calling for badly needed immigration reform. As our attorney Grant says here, we're going to keep doing everything we can to make sure our community members' rights are respected.
Three months after Omaha raid: One ICE detention chapter winds down, another heats up • Nebraska Examiner
Three months after an Omaha immigration raid, one ICE detention chapter is winding down and another is heating up.
nebraskaexaminer.com
September 20, 2025 at 7:36 PM
We're so grateful for Sen. Juarez standing up for our communities and calling for badly needed immigration reform. As our attorney Grant says here, we're going to keep doing everything we can to make sure our community members' rights are respected.
Victory! A federal judge ruled today that our client’s ongoing detention was unlawful. She’s our fourth client to leave ICE custody since the Omaha Glenn Valley Foods raid.
Judge frees three more immigrants held after Nebraska raid
Senior U.S. District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon has granted writs to at least three other detainees from a June immigration raid in Omaha.
courthousenews.com
September 11, 2025 at 11:29 PM
Victory! A federal judge ruled today that our client’s ongoing detention was unlawful. She’s our fourth client to leave ICE custody since the Omaha Glenn Valley Foods raid.
An Omaha woman is back with her family after months in the custody of immigration authorities. Today, a judge ruled that our client was being held unlawfully and must be released on bond.
Victory! Judge Orders Omaha Mother’s Release from ICE Custody - ACLU of Nebraska
She is the third ACLU of Nebraska client to leave ICE custody in the last two months.
www.aclunebraska.org
September 3, 2025 at 9:38 PM
An Omaha woman is back with her family after months in the custody of immigration authorities. Today, a judge ruled that our client was being held unlawfully and must be released on bond.
Flatwater Free Press found Nebraska license plate readers are being used for immigration enforcement: "Little information has been released about most of these searches. [...] ICE declined an interview request and did not answer emailed questions about the nature of the searches."
License plate readers in Nebraska help ICE conduct immigration enforcement efforts - Flatwater Free Press
When federal immigration agents arrested Melvin Varela Perez in the Omaha area on July 9, they were quick to thank the local cops and other federal
flatwaterfreepress.org
August 28, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Flatwater Free Press found Nebraska license plate readers are being used for immigration enforcement: "Little information has been released about most of these searches. [...] ICE declined an interview request and did not answer emailed questions about the nature of the searches."
As state officials got ready to roll out the red carpet for ICE, we were in court winning a victory for our client. The ruling unequivocally stated ICE had violated her rights. She is back home with her daughter today.
Victory! Family Reunites After Judge Orders Release from ICE Custody - ACLU of Nebraska
The ruling was unequivocal: our client was detained unlawfully.
www.aclunebraska.org
August 20, 2025 at 3:50 PM
As state officials got ready to roll out the red carpet for ICE, we were in court winning a victory for our client. The ruling unequivocally stated ICE had violated her rights. She is back home with her daughter today.
BREAKING: We’re suing to get an Omaha mom back with her family. Even though a judge granted Sabina Carmona-Lorenzo release on bond, she is still in detention. ICE will see us in court.
Omaha Mother Challenges ICE Detention After Bond Order in New Lawsuit - ACLU of Nebraska
Sabina Carmona-Lorenzo is asking for a judge to order her release on bond, which an immigration court judge granted a month ago.
www.aclunebraska.org
August 18, 2025 at 7:18 PM
BREAKING: We’re suing to get an Omaha mom back with her family. Even though a judge granted Sabina Carmona-Lorenzo release on bond, she is still in detention. ICE will see us in court.