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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Dec 11, 2019

“Disgusting subhuman shit:” Border Patrol Agent’s Actions and Attitudes Reflect Agency’s Violent Culture

While on duty in 2017, Border Patrol agent Matthew Bowen was driving in a government-issued pickup truck when he saw Antolin Rolando Lopez-Aguilar, a migrant from Guatemala, attempting to cross into the...

Dec 9, 2019

Here’s How Fort Worth is Setting Up its New Police Monitor for Failure

This piece originally published in the Fort-Worth Star Telegram.

Fort Worth was the...

By Pamela Young, Paige Fernandez

This piece originally published in the Fort-Worth Star Telegram.

Fort Worth was the...

By Pamela Young, Paige Fernandez

Image of a city of Dallas police squad car from the rear

Dec 5, 2019

A Border Officer Told Me I Couldn’t Opt Out of the Face Recognition Scan. They Were Wrong.

“Look at the camera,” a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer told me as I approached the primary inspection point at the Paso del Norte port of entry.

“Is that the face recognition technology...

“Look at the camera,” a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer told me as I approached the primary inspection point at the Paso del Norte port of entry.

“Is that the face recognition technology...

CBP agent scanning the face of a young woman using his smart phone

Nov 12, 2019

The Faces of Smart Justice Reform in Texas

Criminal justice reform has been a hot button topic in Texas for decades. And with good reason.

Texas incarcerates...

Criminal justice reform has been a hot button topic in Texas for decades. And with good reason.

Texas incarcerates...

Oct 28, 2019

I Testified at a Public Input Hearing on Redistricting. Here’s Why You Should, Too.

This past September, the House Redistricting Committee kicked off a series of statewide public input hearings in Austin. The...

By Valerie Street

This past September, the House Redistricting Committee kicked off a series of statewide public input hearings in Austin. The...

By Valerie Street

Oct 17, 2019

Drama Continues in Galveston County Bail Lawsuit, with One Silver Lining

Imagine being arrested and accused of a crime. You ask to speak to a lawyer — like most people do — but that request is ignored. Your only way to avoid being locked up is to have $2,000 ready to pay money...