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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 5, 2019

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

Border and Immigrants’ Rights

“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
CBP agent scanning the face of a young woman using his smart phone
Nov 12, 2019

The Faces of Smart Justice Reform in Texas

Smart Justice

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...

Smart Justice Convening
Smart Justice Convening
Oct 28, 2019

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

Voting Rights and Democracy

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
Voting Sticker
Voting Sticker
Oct 17, 2019

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

Smart Justice

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...

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...

Coast of Galveston, Texas
Coast of Galveston, Texas
Oct 4, 2019

Texas Plans to Execute Jewish Man Denied a Fair Trial by an Anti-Semitic Judge

UPDATE: On Friday, October 4, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, where Randy Halprin had sought relief before turning to the U.S. Supreme Court, granted a stay of execution. We commend this decision...

By Heather L. Weaver

UPDATE: On Friday, October 4, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, where Randy Halprin had sought relief before turning to the U.S. Supreme Court, granted a stay of execution. We commend this decision...

By Heather L. Weaver
Image of the supreme court building in Washington, DC
Image of the supreme court building in Washington, DC
Oct 3, 2019

Trump’s War on Asylum-Seekers is Endangering Pregnant Women

Border and Immigrants’ Rights

The view from the Matamoros, Mexico side of the Rio Grande — just across from Brownsville, Texas — reveals an unsettling scene.

Young women and children bathe openly in the murky green water, while...

The view from the Matamoros, Mexico side of the Rio Grande — just across from Brownsville, Texas — reveals an unsettling scene.

Young women and children bathe openly in the murky green water, while...

Matamoros MPP Mother
Matamoros MPP Mother