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

News & Commentary
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Kona coffee worker back home after ICE arrest

A 42-year-old Captain Cook man who was locked up more than five months by the federal government without charges or bond was freed late last month, the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii said Tuesday.
News & Commentary
Hawaii Island man released from custody five months after ICE arrest

Hawaii Island man released from custody five months after ICE arrest

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A Hawaii Island coffee farm worker is back home after five months in federal custody.
News & Commentary
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Package of immigration protection bills passes out of first committee

State lawmakers are advancing a package of bills to increase immigration enforcement protections.
News & Commentary
Salmah Y. Rizvi shares ACLU-HI's 2026 Legislative Plans

ACLU Hawaii reveals upcoming 2026 legislative plan

HONOLULU (KHON2) — ACLU of Hawaii announced its 2026 legislative priorities in a press conference on Jan. 12.
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.