NYCLU
@nyclu.org
We are the New York state affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), fighting for the rights of all New Yorkers.
Birthright citizenship is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment.
Denying citizenship to babies born on U.S. soil is illegal, profoundly cruel, and contrary to our values as a country.
Denying citizenship to babies born on U.S. soil is illegal, profoundly cruel, and contrary to our values as a country.
Trump's Birthright Citizenship Executive Order: What Happens Next | Supreme Court Takes Up Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Executive Order
Children born to parents who are undocumented or have temporary status will retain their right to birthright citizenship, but the fight is heading to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court will review T...
www.aclu.org
December 26, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Birthright citizenship is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment.
Denying citizenship to babies born on U.S. soil is illegal, profoundly cruel, and contrary to our values as a country.
Denying citizenship to babies born on U.S. soil is illegal, profoundly cruel, and contrary to our values as a country.
Since September, the Trump administration has ordered over 20 lethal strikes on civilian boats near Venezuela, killing nearly 90 people in clear violation of domestic and international law.
This is an egregious abuse of power with life-or-death consequences. Take action now ⤵️
This is an egregious abuse of power with life-or-death consequences. Take action now ⤵️
Tell Congress: Stop President Trump's illegal boat strikes
Since September, the Trump administration has murdered nearly 90 people in international waters, ordering over 20 lethal strikes on civilian boats near Venezuela. Congress must conduct oversight and c...
action.aclu.org
December 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Since September, the Trump administration has ordered over 20 lethal strikes on civilian boats near Venezuela, killing nearly 90 people in clear violation of domestic and international law.
This is an egregious abuse of power with life-or-death consequences. Take action now ⤵️
This is an egregious abuse of power with life-or-death consequences. Take action now ⤵️
A New York elementary school where most of the students are Native American is putting children – particularly those w/ disabilities – into wooden "timeout" boxes.
These students deserve a safe and supportive learning environment –– not be subjected to traumatic + dehumanizing practices.
These students deserve a safe and supportive learning environment –– not be subjected to traumatic + dehumanizing practices.
School leaders put on leave amid fury over district's ‘timeout’ boxes
Authorities are investigating the use of ‘timeout’ boxes used to isolate students at the Salmon River Central School District. Multiple top school officials have been placed on leave.
www.timesunion.com
December 23, 2025 at 9:42 PM
A New York elementary school where most of the students are Native American is putting children – particularly those w/ disabilities – into wooden "timeout" boxes.
These students deserve a safe and supportive learning environment –– not be subjected to traumatic + dehumanizing practices.
These students deserve a safe and supportive learning environment –– not be subjected to traumatic + dehumanizing practices.
As we close out 2025, we asked notable NYers what gives them hope. Their responses are a reminder that we're not in this alone, that justice has always been a struggle, and that NY will keep fighting.
Thank you for YOUR hope. We’ll be there alongside you to take on what comes our way in 2026.
Thank you for YOUR hope. We’ll be there alongside you to take on what comes our way in 2026.
New York, This Is What's Giving Us Hope | NYCLU
YouTube video by NYCLU
www.youtube.com
December 23, 2025 at 8:18 PM
As we close out 2025, we asked notable NYers what gives them hope. Their responses are a reminder that we're not in this alone, that justice has always been a struggle, and that NY will keep fighting.
Thank you for YOUR hope. We’ll be there alongside you to take on what comes our way in 2026.
Thank you for YOUR hope. We’ll be there alongside you to take on what comes our way in 2026.
Dreading the holiday dinner table?
We've got you covered.
We've got you covered.
December 23, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Dreading the holiday dinner table?
We've got you covered.
We've got you covered.
For too long, the family regulation system has been weaponized to intimidate and harass families—especially Black + Brown moms and their kids—via anonymous false reports. This bill will help protect families from unwarranted and traumatizing government intrusion into their homes and lives.
NY Governor Signs Law to End Anonymous Reporting
New York has joined Texas as the only two states to ban anonymous reporting of child maltreatment concerns
imprintnews.org
December 22, 2025 at 6:18 PM
For too long, the family regulation system has been weaponized to intimidate and harass families—especially Black + Brown moms and their kids—via anonymous false reports. This bill will help protect families from unwarranted and traumatizing government intrusion into their homes and lives.
"The NY for All Act and robust investment in immigration legal services aren't partisan issues; they're human issues. Our immigrant neighbors have waited long enough for federal lawmakers to fix a broken system. They cannot wait any longer for NY to decide whose side we're on." @thenyic.bsky.social
Commentary: On protecting immigrants, will New York choose complicity or courage?
Three major pieces of legislation — the New York for All Act, the Access to Representation Act and the BUILD Act — will help the state defend its immigrant residents.
www.timesunion.com
December 22, 2025 at 4:12 PM
"The NY for All Act and robust investment in immigration legal services aren't partisan issues; they're human issues. Our immigrant neighbors have waited long enough for federal lawmakers to fix a broken system. They cannot wait any longer for NY to decide whose side we're on." @thenyic.bsky.social
1/ NEW: Gov. Hochul has signed the Shield 2.0 bill, which will protect repro + gender-affirming care providers who treat their patients despite the threats, as well as their patients, those seeking care, and those supporting them.
Access to health care is our right, and we will always fight for it.
Access to health care is our right, and we will always fight for it.
December 20, 2025 at 4:48 PM
1/ NEW: Gov. Hochul has signed the Shield 2.0 bill, which will protect repro + gender-affirming care providers who treat their patients despite the threats, as well as their patients, those seeking care, and those supporting them.
Access to health care is our right, and we will always fight for it.
Access to health care is our right, and we will always fight for it.
BREAKING: Governor Hochul has vetoed the Freedom to Read Act.
At a time when right-wing extremists are trying to purge libraries nationwide, the Governor neglected to sign a bill that would have combatted censorship in NY and solidified students’ right to read free from viewpoint discrimination.
At a time when right-wing extremists are trying to purge libraries nationwide, the Governor neglected to sign a bill that would have combatted censorship in NY and solidified students’ right to read free from viewpoint discrimination.
December 20, 2025 at 3:14 PM
BREAKING: Governor Hochul has vetoed the Freedom to Read Act.
At a time when right-wing extremists are trying to purge libraries nationwide, the Governor neglected to sign a bill that would have combatted censorship in NY and solidified students’ right to read free from viewpoint discrimination.
At a time when right-wing extremists are trying to purge libraries nationwide, the Governor neglected to sign a bill that would have combatted censorship in NY and solidified students’ right to read free from viewpoint discrimination.
State court judges hold a ton of power in our legal system: They have the ability to take away New Yorkers’ freedom for years, or for life.
Given this, any official guidance that shapes these rulings is important and should not be kept secret. Yet that’s exactly what was happening - until now:
Given this, any official guidance that shapes these rulings is important and should not be kept secret. Yet that’s exactly what was happening - until now:
New York’s Office of Court Administration Can No Longer Categorically Hide Memos to State Judges About How to Interpret Our Laws
In 2021, public reporting uncovered a secret memo from the state’s Office of Court Administration (OCA) providing guidance to New York judges on how they should interpret and apply a recent landmark c...
www.nyclu.org
December 20, 2025 at 3:00 PM
State court judges hold a ton of power in our legal system: They have the ability to take away New Yorkers’ freedom for years, or for life.
Given this, any official guidance that shapes these rulings is important and should not be kept secret. Yet that’s exactly what was happening - until now:
Given this, any official guidance that shapes these rulings is important and should not be kept secret. Yet that’s exactly what was happening - until now:
For years, people have been raising the alarm about the culture of violence and impunity within the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS).
Now, thanks to a landmark settlement, we're making public 20 years of DOCCS misconduct records public for the first time:
Now, thanks to a landmark settlement, we're making public 20 years of DOCCS misconduct records public for the first time:
DOCCS Officer Misconduct Database
www.nyclu.org
December 19, 2025 at 10:00 PM
For years, people have been raising the alarm about the culture of violence and impunity within the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS).
Now, thanks to a landmark settlement, we're making public 20 years of DOCCS misconduct records public for the first time:
Now, thanks to a landmark settlement, we're making public 20 years of DOCCS misconduct records public for the first time:
WIN: Yesterday, the New York City Council passed the Safer Sanctuary Act, which ensures that immigration authorities cannot be allowed to operate on Rikers Island for any reason.
We must keep ICE off Rikers for good and continue to bolster NYC's critical and long-standing sanctuary laws.
We must keep ICE off Rikers for good and continue to bolster NYC's critical and long-standing sanctuary laws.
December 19, 2025 at 6:24 PM
WIN: Yesterday, the New York City Council passed the Safer Sanctuary Act, which ensures that immigration authorities cannot be allowed to operate on Rikers Island for any reason.
We must keep ICE off Rikers for good and continue to bolster NYC's critical and long-standing sanctuary laws.
We must keep ICE off Rikers for good and continue to bolster NYC's critical and long-standing sanctuary laws.
NYC's thousands of street vendors—most of whom are immigrants—are small business owners, neighbors, and family providers. For too long they've been denied the opportunity to work with dignity - but lifting the permit cap keeps vendors safe + builds power.
Congrats @streetvendorproj.bsky.social!
Congrats @streetvendorproj.bsky.social!
New York City Will Allow Thousands More Street Vendors to Work Legally
www.nytimes.com
December 19, 2025 at 3:33 PM
NYC's thousands of street vendors—most of whom are immigrants—are small business owners, neighbors, and family providers. For too long they've been denied the opportunity to work with dignity - but lifting the permit cap keeps vendors safe + builds power.
Congrats @streetvendorproj.bsky.social!
Congrats @streetvendorproj.bsky.social!
Reposted by NYCLU
WE DID IT. We passed the most significant update of NY’s sanctuary city laws in nearly a decade, and the first major piece of immigration legislation to be passed by the Council during the second Trump administration! Because we keep us safe. @nyclu.org @thenyic.bsky.social @legalaidnyc.bsky.social
December 19, 2025 at 12:26 AM
WE DID IT. We passed the most significant update of NY’s sanctuary city laws in nearly a decade, and the first major piece of immigration legislation to be passed by the Council during the second Trump administration! Because we keep us safe. @nyclu.org @thenyic.bsky.social @legalaidnyc.bsky.social
Reposted by NYCLU
As a direct result of the Trump administration’s cruel immigration policies, ICE is endangering the health & safety of pregnant people in detention. Pregnant people of all immigration statuses deserve to live in a safe and healthy environment.
buff.ly/fEy0VPj
buff.ly/fEy0VPj
Miscarriages, infections, neglect: The pregnant women detained by ICE
Until last year, Congress required reports on the pregnant, postpartum or nursing women in ICE custody, including ‘detailed justification’ for their detention. This requirement no longer exists,…
www.independent.co.uk
December 18, 2025 at 9:02 PM
As a direct result of the Trump administration’s cruel immigration policies, ICE is endangering the health & safety of pregnant people in detention. Pregnant people of all immigration statuses deserve to live in a safe and healthy environment.
buff.ly/fEy0VPj
buff.ly/fEy0VPj
As attacks against our bodily autonomy soar to new heights, it has never been more important for @governor.ny.gov to stand up for reproductive freedom + gender-affirming care. We urge her to sign the Hospital Transparency Act, NYHIPA, Shield Law 2.0, and other critical bills.
Add your name:
Add your name:
Tell Governor Hochul to sign these bills
Please take action!
action.aclu.org
December 18, 2025 at 9:19 PM
As attacks against our bodily autonomy soar to new heights, it has never been more important for @governor.ny.gov to stand up for reproductive freedom + gender-affirming care. We urge her to sign the Hospital Transparency Act, NYHIPA, Shield Law 2.0, and other critical bills.
Add your name:
Add your name:
Reposted by NYCLU
Zachary Ahmad w/ @nyclu.org joins us outside of @governor.ny.gov’s NYC office in our call to pass #NY4All!
“We are not even one year into this federal admin. and I don’t even need to tell anyone here just how relentless has been in tearing families apart and carrying out its deportation agenda.”
“We are not even one year into this federal admin. and I don’t even need to tell anyone here just how relentless has been in tearing families apart and carrying out its deportation agenda.”
December 18, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Zachary Ahmad w/ @nyclu.org joins us outside of @governor.ny.gov’s NYC office in our call to pass #NY4All!
“We are not even one year into this federal admin. and I don’t even need to tell anyone here just how relentless has been in tearing families apart and carrying out its deportation agenda.”
“We are not even one year into this federal admin. and I don’t even need to tell anyone here just how relentless has been in tearing families apart and carrying out its deportation agenda.”
This is yet another example of Syracuse's failure to take their lead water crisis seriously.
The City must declare a state of emergency and take action to protect residents, now.
The City must declare a state of emergency and take action to protect residents, now.
Syracuse’s water pipe woes: It’s going to take twice as long to replace lead lines, city admits
The city did less than 25% of the 3,000 lead pipe replacements it promised in 2025.
www.syracuse.com
December 18, 2025 at 4:27 PM
This is yet another example of Syracuse's failure to take their lead water crisis seriously.
The City must declare a state of emergency and take action to protect residents, now.
The City must declare a state of emergency and take action to protect residents, now.
Good - the Gov. is right to support signing the Medical Aid in Dying Act.
NYers living w/ terminal illnesses deserve the dignity to die peacefully, on their own terms, at their own time. By enacting this bill, NY will adopt a trusted medical practice that is an important option in end-of-life care.
NYers living w/ terminal illnesses deserve the dignity to die peacefully, on their own terms, at their own time. By enacting this bill, NY will adopt a trusted medical practice that is an important option in end-of-life care.
Gov. Hochul: Why I’m supporting medical aid in dying
Terminally ill New Yorkers deserve the right to make their own end-of-life decisions, with appropriate protections in place.
www.timesunion.com
December 17, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Good - the Gov. is right to support signing the Medical Aid in Dying Act.
NYers living w/ terminal illnesses deserve the dignity to die peacefully, on their own terms, at their own time. By enacting this bill, NY will adopt a trusted medical practice that is an important option in end-of-life care.
NYers living w/ terminal illnesses deserve the dignity to die peacefully, on their own terms, at their own time. By enacting this bill, NY will adopt a trusted medical practice that is an important option in end-of-life care.
Reposted by NYCLU
ICE is denying immigrants under detainment their Sixth Amendment right to an attorney— removing their often only opportunity to reach their family & community. Without a lawyer, people are twice as likely to be deported, according to a study earlier this year from the American Immigration Council.
December 17, 2025 at 4:32 PM
ICE is denying immigrants under detainment their Sixth Amendment right to an attorney— removing their often only opportunity to reach their family & community. Without a lawyer, people are twice as likely to be deported, according to a study earlier this year from the American Immigration Council.
The New York City Council is considering a bill that would require the NYPD to grant direct access to bodycam footage to the CCRB, the city's police watchdog agency.
The police can't be trusted to police themselves. We must keep fighting for police transparency and accountability.
The police can't be trusted to police themselves. We must keep fighting for police transparency and accountability.
Council pushing bill to give NYPD watchdogs real-time access to bodycam footage
Council Speaker Adrienne Adams introduced the bill in the waning days of her time in office and it will get a hearing Wednesday.
gothamist.com
December 16, 2025 at 10:50 PM
The New York City Council is considering a bill that would require the NYPD to grant direct access to bodycam footage to the CCRB, the city's police watchdog agency.
The police can't be trusted to police themselves. We must keep fighting for police transparency and accountability.
The police can't be trusted to police themselves. We must keep fighting for police transparency and accountability.
Reposted by NYCLU
I know many things are awful but here is one genuinely useful and helpful thing you can do. No matter their party, your representative needs to hear that trans people and our families are not alone and this bill is an unjustifiable and extreme threat to criminalize the health care we need to live.
Tomorrow, the House of Representatives will vote on a bill that bans gender-affirming medical care for any transgender person under 18, and threatens any medical professional providing this care to youth with 10 years in prison.
Tell Congress to protect trans youth and vote NO.
Tell Congress to protect trans youth and vote NO.
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 16, 2025 at 9:40 PM
I know many things are awful but here is one genuinely useful and helpful thing you can do. No matter their party, your representative needs to hear that trans people and our families are not alone and this bill is an unjustifiable and extreme threat to criminalize the health care we need to live.
Reposted by NYCLU
They marched. They were jailed. They never stopped. #OTD in 1961 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and Rev. Ralph Abernathy were arrested in Albany for protesting and demanding equality.
December 16, 2025 at 2:00 PM
They marched. They were jailed. They never stopped. #OTD in 1961 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and Rev. Ralph Abernathy were arrested in Albany for protesting and demanding equality.
Just as people have the right to refuse medical treatment – even when it might extend their life – they should have the right to seek medical aid when they are dying and medicine cannot prolong their life.
Governor Hochul: Sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act before time runs out ⤵️
Governor Hochul: Sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act before time runs out ⤵️
Allow New Yorkers to Die With Dignity
Please take action!
action.aclu.org
December 15, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Just as people have the right to refuse medical treatment – even when it might extend their life – they should have the right to seek medical aid when they are dying and medicine cannot prolong their life.
Governor Hochul: Sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act before time runs out ⤵️
Governor Hochul: Sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act before time runs out ⤵️