Justice System and Carceral Reform

The ACLU of Texas works in partnership with communities to fight racism in the criminal legal system and to reduce the number of people in prisons and jails. We work in state and federal courts and advocate for change in local and state government.

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What you need to know

180,529

At the beginning of 2022, this many Texans were incarcerated in state prisons and local jails.

2.6

Black people are 2.6 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white people in Texas, despite roughly equal rates of usage.

2 in 3

More than two in three people in Texas jails have not been convicted of the charges against them. Most are locked up because they are unable to afford money bail.

Texas is the epicenter of the United States’ mass incarceration crisis. The U.S. imprisons more people than any nation on earth, and Texas locks up the most people of any state. On any given day, more than 180,000 people are incarcerated in state prison or jail.

More than two in three people in Texas jails have not been convicted of the charges against them. Most are locked up because they are unable to afford bail.

Systemic racism is evident at every stage of the system, from police surveillance and bail decisions to sentencing and reentry. This system harms children, families, and communities. It is especially harmful to Texans with disabilities and those without access to money or power.

We are committed to ending mass incarceration, stopping wealth-based detention, and promoting a system of justice that is fair and that treats all people with dignity and respect.

The Latest

News & Commentary
A red Flock Safety sign on a pole reads "Notice: 24/7 Video Recording" on a residential street, with parked cars, homes, trees, and a clear blue sky in the background.

Despite 'New' Updates, Flock's Creepy Cameras Remain Major Civil Liberties Threat

In response to Flock’s announcement of operational changes, the ACLU breaks down why many fall short.
News & Commentary
Rain falls on a residential street, where a red security sign warns "Cameras in Use 24/7 Security, Criminals Will Be Prosecuted, and flock safety." Cars drive down the wet road past houses, trees, sidewalks, and fences in the background.

How to Fight Deployment of Flock and Other Mass Surveillance License Plate Readers in Your Community

The ACLU provides a range of tactics for communities to stop or limit the use of Flock’s ALPR mass surveillance technology
News & Commentary
website banner including photo of texas capitol, crowd of protesters, and the back of an individual in an immigration agent uniform.

Texas’ collaboration with ICE is devastating our communities.

Texas is doubling down on immigration enforcement, aiming to transform state and local police into immigration agents while threatening neighbors who have families here, who have lived here for years, even those who have legal status.
Press Release
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ACLU of Texas, Partners File New Lawsuit Challenging S.B. 4, Texas’ Deportation Scheme

The legal team is seeking emergency relief to block several provisions of the law from taking effect May 15.
Issue Areas: Border and Immigrants’ Rights, Justice System and Carceral Reform

Cases, Campaigns & Legislation

Court Case
Apr 10, 2024

Johnson v. Travis County, Texas

The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, the ACLU Criminal Law Reform Project, and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP have filed a lawsuit, on behalf of people jailed without lawyers in Travis County, to affirm the constitutional right to counsel at first appearance.
Legislation
Aug 7, 2021

SB 6 / HB 12: Bad Bail "Reform"

Status: Passed both chambers
Position: Oppose
Campaign
Mar 2021

Systemic Equality for Texas

Court Case
Jun 16, 2020

Manzo-Hernandez et al v. Juarez

A class-action challenge against the federal government over the illegal detention of material witnesses at the La Salle County Regional Detention Center in Encinal, Texas near Laredo.