Freedom of Expression

The ACLU of Maine is committed to protecting and expanding First Amendment freedoms through its work on a variety of issues including political protest, online expression and journalists' rights.

Freedom of Expression Collage

The ACLU of Maine is committed to protecting and expanding First Amendment freedoms through its work on a variety of issues including political protest, online expression and journalists' rights

The Latest

News & Commentary
A license plate reader against sky and trees

Kansas Town Uses License Plate Readers to Go After Man Who Wrote Op-Ed

Targeting followed opinion piece critical of town’s police and anonymously posted anti-ICE fliers
Resource
Love Our Constitution

Know Your Rights Training: ICE, Privacy, & Protests

Learn more about protesting, observing, recording, ICE at your home, protecting your privacy, and more.
Press Release
Love Our Constitution

ACLU of Maine Reacts to Possible ICE Surge, Shares New Know Your Rights Resources

The organization is sharing a quick reference guide so Maine residents can prepare for possible ICE encounters and find support if they or a loved one is detained.
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights, Freedom of Expression
News & Commentary
No Troops in Our Street poster at a protest in Portland, Maine.

The Day in Photos: Mainers Protest ICE

On Saturday, Jan. 10, Mainers took to the streets in communities throughout the state to protest ICE's violent and reckless actions.
Court Case
Feb 27, 2026

Hussey v. Cambridge – Free Speech of Public Employees

We filed an amicus brief urging a federal appeals court to apply the correct test to determine if a Massachusetts police officer’s comments are protected by the First Amendment.
Court Case
Jan 08, 2026

Smith v. Trump – Defending Freedom of Speech

On April 11, 2025, the ACLU and ACLU of Maine filed a lawsuit on behalf of two human rights advocates who, because of an executive order signed by President Trump, have been forced to stop humanitarian work with the International Criminal Court.
Court Case
Jan 13, 2026

Fell v. Trump (formerly Stainnak v. Trump)

The ACLU of DC is representing dozens of federal workers -- including a plaintfill from Maine -- who were targeted in Trump's purge of federal employees associated with DEI initiatives.
Court Case
Oct 10, 2023

Upholding First Amendment Rights – State v. Labbe

We filed a friend-of-the-court brief with Maine’s highest court arguing the state’s vague anti-stalking law opened the door to the criminalization of speech in violation of a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision. New legislation amended the law to ensure people cannot be prosecuted for protected speech.