Press Releases

What They’re Saying: Nonprofit organizations urge their members to vote “no” on Question 1

Leaders of nonprofit organizations from across Maine are urging their members to vote “no” on Question 1 this November.
Issue Areas: Voting Rights

ACLU of Maine Investigating Unlawful CBP Traffic Stop and Detention

The organization filed a complaint to uncover information about an unlawful traffic stop involving overreach, racial profiling, and retaliation against a Maine resident.

Maine Law Court to Hear Arguments in Landmark Case on Right to Counsel

On Tuesday, October 7, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court will hear arguments following the state’s appeal of a ruling requiring it to uphold the Sixth Amendment right to counsel.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

Federal Appeals Court Upholds Block on Trump Birthright Citizenship Executive Order

The First Circuit for the U.S. Court of Appeals has upheld a trial court’s order blocking enforcement of the president’s executive order restricting birthright citizenship – a blatant violation of the 14th Amendment.
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights

ACLU of Maine Client Released from Unlawful Immigration Detention

A federal court ordered the man released, finding the government had unlawfully jailed him and denied him a bond hearing, a violation of federal law.

Judge Rules CBP Likely Violated Due Process, ACLU Files Related Class Action

The ruling comes after the ACLU of Maine filed a habeas petition on behalf of a man held without bond. The organization has now filed a related class action.
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights

Advocates Oppose Efforts to Weaken Settlement for Maine’s Children’s Behavioral Health System

The ACLU of Maine and partner organizations urge the court to reject harmful modifications on an earlier settlement aimed at strengthening Maine's children's behavioral health system. 

ACLU of Maine Reminds School Communities of Their Rights After Arrest at Portland School

Following reports of unidentified law enforcement arresting near a Portland public school, the ACLU of Maine is reminding parents, students, and school leaders that knowing their rights is a powerful way to keep our communities as safe as possible.

Maine Law Court Strengthens Miranda Rights, Protections from Self-Incrimination

The decision in State of Maine v. McLain clarifies that police must obtain a clear waiver of rights during interrogations, expanding state-level protections even as federal courts have weakened Miranda rights.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform