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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Feb 24, 2021

How Did ICE Deport a Survivor of the Walmart Shooting?

Border and Immigrants’ Rights

Brian Tashman, Deputy Division Director, ACLU

Immigration and Customs Enforcement...

By Brian Tashman

Brian Tashman, Deputy Division Director, ACLU

Immigration and Customs Enforcement...

By Brian Tashman
An ICE agent holding an Immigration Detainer form.
An ICE agent holding an Immigration Detainer form.
Feb 23, 2021

A Life of Boundless Empathy: Remembering Kiara Yarbrough

Smart Justice

The ACLU of Texas and ACLU National staff are deeply saddened about the sudden loss of our client, Kiara Yarbrough, who passed away at the age of 26. We offer our deepest condolences to Kiara’s family,...

By Savannah Kumar

The ACLU of Texas and ACLU National staff are deeply saddened about the sudden loss of our client, Kiara Yarbrough, who passed away at the age of 26. We offer our deepest condolences to Kiara’s family,...

By Savannah Kumar
An image of Kiara with the words "Remembering Kiara Yarbrough" to the right
An image of Kiara with the words "Remembering Kiara Yarbrough" to the right
Feb 5, 2021

What it’s Like to Face a Deadly Pandemic Behind Bars

Smart Justice
Four formerly incarcerated people — including one Texan and his family — share their stories about what it’s like to be incarcerated during the pandemic, while friends and family members are left helpless on...
By Leila Rafei
Four formerly incarcerated people — including one Texan and his family — share their stories about what it’s like to be incarcerated during the pandemic, while friends and family members are left helpless on...
By Leila Rafei
Hendrey Boykins in Phoenix, Arizona.
Hendrey Boykins in Phoenix, Arizona.
Feb 3, 2021

Real Need for Change in Texas Gets Short Shrift in Gov. Abbott’s State of the State

Reproductive Freedom

This week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott delivered his annual State of the State address, a state-mandated...

This week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott delivered his annual State of the State address, a state-mandated...

Graphic of Gov. Greg Abbott on grey background with the words: State of the State
Graphic of Gov. Greg Abbott on grey background with the words: State of the State
Jan 18, 2021

Like My Illegal Voting Charge, Capitol Riot Shows Racism in Criminal Justice

Voting Rights and Democracy

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

The world...

By Crystal Mason

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

The world...

By Crystal Mason
Crystal Mason Capitol Riot
Crystal Mason Capitol Riot
Jan 12, 2021

The Texas Legislature in a Time of Turmoil and Transition

Smart Justice

Today marks the opening of the 87th Texas Legislative Session — and it signals enormous opportunity and peril for civil liberties in Texas. With a tense national political climate, a pandemic devastating...

By Matthew Simpson

Today marks the opening of the 87th Texas Legislative Session — and it signals enormous opportunity and peril for civil liberties in Texas. With a tense national political climate, a pandemic devastating...

By Matthew Simpson
2021 Legislative Session Austin Capitol Image
2021 Legislative Session Austin Capitol Image