Press Releases

The ACLU of New Jersey has media staff to handle inquiries from journalists on issues affecting civil liberties and constitutional freedoms. To schedule an interview with one of our experts, members of the press can call 973-854-1707 or send an email to press@aclu-nj.org. Please include your name, your outlet, your contact information, details about your story, and deadline.

May 23, 2025

Statement in Response to DOJ Lawsuit Targeting New Jersey Sanctuary Cities

For decades, courts have held that the Constitution prevents the federal government from commandeering state and local resources for federal purposes, including immigration enforcement
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights
May 15, 2025

Response to Mayor Baraka’s Appearance in Federal Court

Mayor Baraka's arrest is part of the president’s shameful intimidation campaign against those who will not do his bidding.
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights
May 09, 2025

ACLU-NJ Responds to DHS Arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka

The arrest of Mayor Ras Baraka by the Department of Homeland Security is a shameful escalation of the Trump administration’s intimidation campaign against officials who refuse to do their bidding
Issue Areas: Immigration Enforcement & Detention, Immigrants' Rights
May 08, 2025

Federal Court Grants Preliminary Injunction on Behalf of Rutgers International Students Targeted by ICE

The preliminary injunction granted today requires the government to fully restore the students’ records retroactive to the original date of termination and provides due process protections.
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights
Apr 29, 2025

Mahmoud Khalil’s Lawsuit Can Move Forward in Federal Court, Judge Finds

The U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey ruled today that Mahmoud Khalil can move forward with his lawsuit claiming the government is unlawfully detaining him for his political views.
Issue Areas: Free Speech & Expression, Immigration Enforcement & Detention, Immigrants' Rights
Apr 29, 2025

ACLU-NJ Responds to Executive Order Targeting Sanctuary Cities, Officials Accused of Obstructing Law Enforcement

The Trump administration signed two new executive orders on April 28 that would target sanctuary cities and direct law enforcement to pursue legal action against state or local officials accused of “obstructing criminal or immigration law enforcement.”
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights
Apr 22, 2025

ACLU-NJ and Partners File Suit to Safeguard Rights of Rutgers Students Targeted by ICE

The ACLU of New Jersey today filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of six international students attending Rutgers University who have had their student status effectively terminated by ICE.
Issue Areas: Immigration Enforcement & Detention, Immigrants' Rights, Students' & Youth Rights
Apr 11, 2025

Despite Lack of Evidence, Louisiana Immigration Judge Rules Against Mahmoud Khalil in Deportation Hearing

In a decision that appeared to be pre-written, an immigration judge ruled immediately after a hearing that Mahmoud Khalil is removable under U.S. immigration law.
Issue Areas: Free Speech & Expression, Immigrants' Rights
Apr 10, 2025

Secretary of State Letter to Immigration Court Confirms Mahmoud Khalil Solely Targeted for Protected Speech in Support of Palestinian Rights

The Associated Press published the letter sent by Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the State Department’s case against Mahmoud Khalil, seeking his deportation from the United States.
Issue Areas: Free Speech & Expression, Immigrants' Rights