News & Blogs

As the leading civil rights organization in our state, the ACLU of South Dakota believes in keeping the public informed about the state of their civil liberties. The work we do at the legislature, in the courts, and in our communities is important, but there is no better defender of civil rights than a public that is informed and engaged.

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Sep 10, 2025

How Expanded 287(g) Program Turns Local Police Into Deportation Agents

Immigrants' Rights
The Trump administration has expanded the controversial program to harm more communities than ever. Families and advocates nationwide are fighting back.
The Trump administration has expanded the controversial program to harm more communities than ever. Families and advocates nationwide are fighting back.
Close-up of POLICE ICE marking on the back of a stab proof vest uniform worn by a police officer.
Close-up of POLICE ICE marking on the back of a stab proof vest uniform worn by a police officer.
Aug 18, 2025

Flock’s Aggressive Expansions Go Far Beyond Simple Driver Surveillance

Privacy and Technology
Build it (an authoritarian tracking infrastructure) and they (expanded uses) will come
Build it (an authoritarian tracking infrastructure) and they (expanded uses) will come
Vintage car driving on a road
Vintage car driving on a road
Aug 14, 2025

Many Are Focused on the Wrong Questions When it Comes to AI

Privacy and Technology
Do large language models have an inherent politics?
Do large language models have an inherent politics?
Free Future: A woodcut-style image of a man in front of a tank with circuit board design on it
Free Future: A woodcut-style image of a man in front of a tank with circuit board design on it
Aug 6, 2025

Trump's Birthright Citizenship Executive Order: What Happens Next

Immigrants' Rights
Children born to parents who are undocumented or have temporary status will retain their right to birthright citizenship. The ACLU explains how the legal fight unfolded.
Children born to parents who are undocumented or have temporary status will retain their right to birthright citizenship. The ACLU explains how the legal fight unfolded.
A demonstrator looks up at her sign (which reads "Citizenship is a Birthright") during a rally outside the Supreme court building demanding the court uphold the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
A demonstrator looks up at her sign (which reads "Citizenship is a Birthright") during a rally outside the Supreme court building demanding the court uphold the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Aug 5, 2025

Trump's Attacks on Press Freedom Escalate: NPR, PBS Funding Cuts Explained

Free Speech
From funding cuts and executive orders to billion-dollar lawsuits, the Trump administration is mounting a historic assault on independent journalism and press freedom.
From funding cuts and executive orders to billion-dollar lawsuits, the Trump administration is mounting a historic assault on independent journalism and press freedom.
A close-up of a window on NPR's website.
A close-up of a window on NPR's website.
Jul 26, 2025

Accessible Voting is Under Attack 35 Years After the ADA

Disability Rights
From restrictive legislation to inaccessible polling places, barriers persist that undermine the rights of voters with disabilities.
From restrictive legislation to inaccessible polling places, barriers persist that undermine the rights of voters with disabilities.
And group of demonstrators, one with a sign taped to their back saying "Let Us Vote!"
And group of demonstrators, one with a sign taped to their back saying "Let Us Vote!"