News & Commentary

Across the country, COVID-19 outbreaks have resulted in hundreds, if not thousands, of reported positive cases among the population of immigrants who are detained. Cases will only increase as we approach the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. Substandard medical care in our detention centers has already resulted in deaths for other illnesses, including a 16-year old boy who died of the flu at the Customs and Border Protection facility in Weslaco, TX. A man in New Jersey died from gastrointestinal bleeding after being denied the necessary medical care to save him. 

The safety and rights of all Marylanders must matter to all of us.

The Need to Reduce People in Detention Centers is Urgent

Governor Hogan, listen to the health experts

Time to Take the Politics Out of Parole

This Women’s History Month, the ACLU wants to highlight a woman who is making a difference in her community and demanding equality for women entangled in the legal justice system. Qiana Johnson, Executive Director of Life After Release, is a formerly incarcerated person who has been advocating for pre-release centers for women preparing to return to their communities.

When I was a little girl, my mom would tell me my hair was beautiful. And I loved my hair. As I grew up, I would hear from teachers, family members, and society that my natural hair was not acceptable. I, like many Black women growing up, was told you had to straighten your hair in order to have “good hair” and to succeed in this country. Those comments subtly told me that my hair was ugly and by extension I would be ugly and unacceptable if I maintained that hairstyle. 

Over a hundred people from across the state attended this year’s Lobby Day and demanded action from their state legislators. From Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore, our members demonstrated that one way to make an impact in your community — and our state capital — is through advocating in person by meeting with your elected officials. 

On February 19, 2019, Emanuel Oates was shot and killed by officers with the Baltimore County Police Department.