ACLU’s 105 Days Under Trump & Counting

54 Cases, 113 Legal Actions, 32 Cases With Positive Outcomes – and We’re Still Counting.

From ACLU Legal Director Cecillia Wang: “Just 100 days into President Donald Trump’s second term, the ACLU has filed 53 cases against his administration. We sought emergency relief in 38 of these cases, winning at least some form of preliminary or temporary order in 27 cases. To our clients, these are not just numbers. Our work with them, and on their behalf, has made a real difference in their lives.”

FREE SPEECH: Mohsen Mahdawi Released On Bail

• Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi was released on bail from ICE detention as his lawsuit against the Trump administration plays out in court.

• Mohsen had been detained because of his advocacy in support of Palestinian human rights — at what he thought was his citizenship appointment.

• Learn more about Mohsen Mahdawi, Rümeysa Öztürk, Mahmoud Khalil, and Dr. Badar Khan Suri.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN SCHOOLS: Federal Court Grants Preliminary Injunction Against Department of Education’s Unlawful Anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Directive

• A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from enforcing a directive against our clients prohibiting schools from engaging in programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• The preliminary injunction prevents the Dept. of Ed from enforcing the directive while litigation continues, ensuring that schools can continue their educational mission without fear of federal retaliation. Read more here.

IMMIGRATION: Texas Federal Court Rules Against Trump Administration on Alien Enemies Act   

• A Texas judge ruled that President Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act is unlawful, saying the administration can’t invoke a wartime authority during peacetime to deport people without due process.

• This decision prevents people in the Southern District of Texas from being sent to a notorious prison in El Salvador. Read more here and listen here.

VOTING RIGHTS: Court Blocks Documentary Proof-of-Citizenship Provision in Voting Executive Order

• A federal judge blocked a key part of President Trump’s executive order attempting to require a passport or similar document proving citizenship when registering to vote – a requirement which would disenfranchise millions of eligible voters.

• Read more here.

IMMIGRATION: Gov. Ferguson Signs Bill Restricting Out-Of-State Armed Forces From Entering Washington State

• The move makes it clear that almost any mobilization of the National Guard into the state requires the Governor’s permission and must align with Washington’s core values to protect immigrant communities.

• The ACLU of Washington was supportive of the legislative effort and will continue to work with Gov. Ferguson to resist any voluntary deployment of the Washington National Guard to engage in civilian law enforcement.

ABORTION: Victorious Push for Reproductive Freedom in Wisconsin State Supreme Court Race

• Last month, Wisconsin voters elected a pro-civil liberties state supreme court justice with a history of defending abortion access. ACLU National and ACLU Voter Education Fund along with the ACLU of Wisconsin reached over 600,000 voters to ensure people were prepared to vote for their values. Judging by the outcome, it is clear that reproductive rights are a priority for Wisconsin voters.

IMMIGRATION: AZ Gov. Hobbs Vetoes Bill Requiring Local and State Officials to Cooperate with Federal Immigration Enforcement Actions

• This crucial use of state executive power comes at a moment when ICE is ramping up expansion of 287(g) agreements that instill fear and erode trust within communities. Under the proposal, officials would not have been able to restrict cooperation with federal immigration efforts or block the use of federal databases and grant funds related to immigration enforcement.

• The veto follows a successful public pressure campaign from the ACLU of Arizona and other immigrant rights coalition partners. The public pressure campaign continues as the Governor considers 5 other anti-immigrant bills.

For more information or to speak with an expert, please reach out to media@aclu.org