Immigrants' Rights

The ACLU of Hawai‘i is dedicated to reclaiming constitutional and civil rights for all people who live in the islands, regardless of immigration status.

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The ACLU of Hawai‘i is dedicated to reclaiming constitutional and civil rights for all people who live in the islands, regardless of immigration status. Immigrants in Hawai‘i contribute to our diversity and enrich our economy, but immigrant communities continue to be profiled, harassed, detained, and demonized by politicians and law enforcement agencies. We continue to work hard to ensure that everyone feels welcomed and safe in Hawai‘i.

The Latest

Know Your Rights
Know Your Rights - Interacting with the FBI

Know Your Rights: Interacting with the FBI

The ACLU of Hawai‘i hosted a Know Your Rights (KYR) Training on how to safely navigate interactions with FBI agents, including guidance on an individual's legal obligations, compliance regarding investigations, and what to do when someone is arrested by the agency.
Know Your Rights
Know Your Rights for Educators: Immigration Enforcement

Know Your Rights for Educators: Immigration Enforcement

Know Your Rights
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'Know Your Rights' Card: When Facing Law Enforcement

Know Your Rights
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Interacting with ICE Agents

Court Case
Jan 14, 2026

Petitioner v. Smith, et al.

On January 13, 2026, the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi (“ACLU of Hawai‘i”) filed a habeas immigration petition in federal court, seeking the release of Juan Jose Estrada Lopez, a Hawai‘i island resident and husband. At his green card interview in August 2025, he was ripped away from his family and community and locked up at the Honolulu Federal Detention Center. He has been detained there ever since—even though he has committed no crime.