The Border is Already Militarized, Mr. President

Apparently it’s not enough for the Trump administration to lock up pregnant women, deny people their constitutional rights, and separate children with disabilities from their families all in the name of immigration enforcement. Now the President, ably assisted by Governor Abbott, is sending the National Guard to occupy the southern border as well.

By Astrid Dominguez

U.S. customs and border patrol

The Sorry State of Voting Rights in Texas

Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and the fundamental right upon which all our civil liberties rest, and we at the ACLU of Texas work to protect and expand Americans' freedom to vote.

By Edgar Saldivar

Vote here sign

Houston Immigration and Refugee Hotline Expands Hours, Capacity

As law enforcement agents escalate their intrusions into-and occupations of-Texas's immigrant communities, it's important for Texans to have access to real-time information. With immigrants, refugees and travelers being targeted with new or more aggressive enforcement tactics, the ACLU and its partners are committed to helping people understand their constitutional rights.

By Edgar Saldivar

Volunteers take calls for the Immigrant Rights hotline

Schools Should Use Walkouts in Protest of Gun Violence as a Teaching Moment

For 17 minutes on March 14, students and their supporters across the country are planning to walk out of their schools, honoring the victims of the Parkland school shooting and calling for Congress to pass meaningful gun regulation. Unfortunately, some schools view this act as a disruption and are threatening to discipline students who participate. A disciplinary response is a disservice to young people and a missed educational opportunity.

By Sarah Hinger

students protest

Sus derechos en la zona fronteriza

El 19 de enero, dos agentes de la Patrulla Fronteriza se subieron a un autobús de Greyhound en una estación de Fort Lauderdale y procedieron a cuestionar a los pasajeros fila por fila. El autobús, que viajaba desde Orlando a rumbo de Miami, no había cruzado ninguna frontera internacional. A pesar que su ruta era dentro de los Estados Unidos, los agentes interrogaron a los pasajeros, y al final detuvieron a una ciudadana jamaiquina, que según alega la Patrulla Fronteriza, se había quedado más del tiempo permitido en su visa de turista. Esta no es un historia aislada, y la práctica no es nueva. Sin embargo, un reciente aumento en este tipo de operación de inmigración —desde Nueva York hasta Florida— ha causado miedo entre viajeros y comunidades de inmigrantes. También ha promovido preguntas importantes sobre el alcance de la autoridad que poseen los oficiales de inmigración y los derechos que uno tiene en estas situaciones.

By Adriana Piñon

Police officer on bus

Can Schools Discipline Students for Protesting?

ACLU People Power will host a training on students' rights on Thursday, March 1, at 8 p.m. EST. Register here to join. 

By Vera Eidelman

Student protests at anti-gun rally

Before you vote, see how these lawmakers voted on LGBTQ Equality

2017 was a dark time for LGBTQ Texans. During the 85th Texas legislative session, lawmakers filed some 25 anti-LGBTQ bills that either permitted or in some cases mandated discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community.

By Rebecca Marques

Texas Capitol front lawn

On DACA, Congress should not trade one injustice for another

President Donald Trump created a crisis over the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program by rescinding the directive that protected from deportation thousands of undocumented immigrants brought here as children. Now he is holding them ransom, demanding that Congress give him $25 billion for border security, including his “beautiful” wall, in exchange for not rounding up "Dreamers" and sending them into exile.

By Astrid Dominguez, Kevin Bixby, Johana Bencomo

Daca activists

The Status of 287(g) Agreements in Texas

What is a 287(g) agreement?

By Naiyolis Palomo Garcia

protestors against 287(g)