News and Commentary

As the leading civil rights organization in the Lone Star State, we at the ACLU of Texas believe it is our duty to keep the public informed about the state of their civil liberties. The work we do at the legislature, in the courts, and in our communities is important, but there is no better defender of civil rights than a public that is informed and engaged.

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Apr 21, 2022

Documents Reveal Confusion and Lack of Training in Texas Execution

Smart Justice
As Texas prepares to execute two more people, questions linger about past dysfunction and critical errors.
As Texas prepares to execute two more people, questions linger about past dysfunction and critical errors.
A gurney with straps.
A gurney with straps.
Apr 15, 2022

Border Patrol interior checkpoints are a cruel and pointless burden on borderland residents

Border and Immigrants’ Rights
An ACLU lawsuit uncovered Border Patrol documents that show agents are trained to sidestep Constitutional protections.
An ACLU lawsuit uncovered Border Patrol documents that show agents are trained to sidestep Constitutional protections.
Photograph of a Customs and Border Protection truck parked on the side of the road
Photograph of a Customs and Border Protection truck parked on the side of the road
Mar 22, 2022

Five Things to Know About the Title 42 Immigrant Expulsion Policy

Border and Immigrants’ Rights
Since March 2020, the government has misused the order to kick out people seeking asylum more than 1.7 million times.
Since March 2020, the government has misused the order to kick out people seeking asylum more than 1.7 million times.
Demonstrators standing in front of a mobile billboard that says, “It’s past time to end Trump-era policies at the border.”
Demonstrators standing in front of a mobile billboard that says, “It’s past time to end Trump-era policies at the border.”
Mar 1, 2022

Texas Wants to Take Trans Kids From Their Supportive Parents. We’re Suing.

LGBTQIA+ Equality
Families in Texas are worried that supporting their transgender kids will lead to a report of child abuse. We are already seeing families being investigated. Gender-affirming care is medically necessary, saves...
Families in Texas are worried that supporting their transgender kids will lead to a report of child abuse. We are already seeing families being investigated. Gender-affirming care is medically necessary, saves...
Medical professionals protest Texas legislation that would ban the gender-affirming medical care.
Medical professionals protest Texas legislation that would ban the gender-affirming medical care.
Feb 17, 2022

Your Guide to Talking About Attacks on Trans Youth

LGBTQIA+ Equality
Misinformation is fueling an attack on trans youth in state legislatures. These attacks overwhelmingly focus on youth and schools. They try to make being trans shameful — but they won’t stop youth from being...
Misinformation is fueling an attack on trans youth in state legislatures. These attacks overwhelmingly focus on youth and schools. They try to make being trans shameful — but they won’t stop youth from being...
A photo featuring activist, drag queen and tv personality Peppermint with the title Tough Conversations With Peppermint.
A photo featuring activist, drag queen and tv personality Peppermint with the title Tough Conversations With Peppermint.
Jan 27, 2022

Our Fight Against the Muslim Ban Showed the Solidarity We Need to End Ongoing Abuses at the Border

Border and Immigrants’ Rights

Our fight against the Muslim ban showed the beauty and power of solidarity in America’s most diverse city. Now, we must continue this fight with immigrants and border communities in Texas.

By Edgar Saldivar

Our fight against the Muslim ban showed the beauty and power of solidarity in America’s most diverse city. Now, we must continue this fight with immigrants and border communities in Texas.

By Edgar Saldivar
Orange and navy collage graphic featuring barbed-wired fence, a plane, and a rally in which people are holding signs that read 'no ban' and 'unite 4 people'
Orange and navy collage graphic featuring barbed-wired fence, a plane, and a rally in which people are holding signs that read 'no ban' and 'unite 4 people'