Press Releases

ACLU of Maine and MSEA-SEIU Reach First Contract

The American Civil Liberties Union of Maine and the Maine Service Employees Association-Service Employees Union Local 1989 (MSEA-SEIU) have reached their first collective bargaining agreement (CBA) representing ACLU employees in the state.

Report: Boston Asylum Office Violates Rights of Asylum Seekers

The report "Lives in Limbo: How the Boston Asylum Office Fails Asylum Seekers" finds the Boston Asylum Office fosters a culture of distrust toward asylum seekers, which violates their due process rights and the United States’ legal obligations.
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights

ACLU of Maine and MECEP Report Calls for Drug Decriminalization in Maine

A new report by the ACLU of Maine and Maine Center for Economic Policy (MECEP) details the enormous social and economic costs of criminalizing people who use drugs. The report's central recommendation is to decriminalize drugs.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

ACLU of Maine Files Lawsuit Challenging Maine’s Inadequate Indigent Defense System

The ACLU of Maine is suing the Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services (MCILS) over its failure to provide constitutionally adequate legal representation to poor people accused of crimes in Maine. 
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

Advocates Respond to Investigation about Use of Force at Long Creek

An investigation into reports of use of force at Long Creek this summer has confirmed that youth were subjected to chokeholds and prone restraints, in violation of the youth prison’s policy.

ACLU of Maine Statement on United States v. Boyd Decision

A federal district judge has suppressed evidence recovered during an illegal traffic stop in the case of United States v. Boyd, in which the ACLU of Maine filed an amicus brief.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

ACLU of Maine Statement on Long Creek Staff Changes and Criminal Investigation

The Department of Corrections is changing oversight at Long Creek, and law enforcement are investigating allegations of dangerous use of force at the youth prison.

Advocates Renew Calls for Governor Mills to Close Long Creek

The calls come after reports of guards continuing to use dangerous force against incarcerated young people.

Maine Senate Fails to Pass Critical Drug Reform Bill, Despite Overwhelming Support from Advocates and Voters

The Senate’s failure comes as Maine reports an average of 12 overdose deaths per week.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform