News & Commentary

ACLU of Hawaiʻi attorney Leilani Stacy has filed several winning habeas petitions. (Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026)

Locked Up Too Long? Legal Tactic Challenges Hawaiʻi ICE Detentions

Joaquin David Rico-Tapia had been held at Honolulu’s Federal Detention Center for six weeks when his attorney filed a special petition last September arguing he had been illegally detained as his deportation case went forward.

Latest Press Release

Aug 12, 2026

ACLU of Hawaiʻi Welcomes New Community Field and Marianita Lopez Executive Fellows

ACLU of Hawaiʻi welcomes two new fellows bringing fresh perspectives and experience to advance civil rights, community advocacy, and organizing across the islands.
CT ZJ

More from the Press

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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

Apr 21, 2022

The Law & Order Reboot Could Not Come at a Worse Time for Criminal Law Reform

The longest-running law enforcement series on television is peddling an inaccurate picture of how our criminal legal system works.

The 'Law & Order' title.
Apr 14, 2022

New Trends May Help TikTok Collect Your Personal, Unchangeable Biometric Identifiers

On an app where people share and divulge everything, some things should remain private.

The TikTok logo.
Mar 25, 2022

What You Need to Know About Cash Bail and Crime Rates

Crime is not a monolithic problem, and jailing people cannot fix it.

Photo of an inmate behind bars.
Mar 11, 2022

The War on Drugs Failed — Lawmakers Must Meet the Fentanyl Crisis With New Solutions

We must not return to the failed, punitive policies that do not improve public safety or save lives.

A photo of prison bars.
Feb 17, 2022

Our Vision to Achieve True Public Safety

We can increase equality, justice, and safety without resorting to criminalization and surveillance.

Modern SFPD police car cruiser with the door on the driver side open.
Feb 17, 2022

Your Guide to Talking About Attacks on Trans Youth

Misinformation is fueling an attack on trans youth in state legislatures.

A photo featuring activist, drag queen and tv personality Peppermint with the title Tough Conversations With Peppermint.
Feb 08, 2022

Transgender and Non-Binary Leaders Tell Federal Court Trans People Deserve Joy at Any Age

Prominent transgender and non-binary people as well as businesses, professional associations, and medical professionals are speaking out against Arkansas’ ban on gender-affirming health care.

A demonstration poster that reads “We Have Always Been Here! We Aren’t Going Anywhere! We Won’t Be Erased.”
Feb 08, 2022

A Scary Demonstration of What Unchecked Face Recognition Could Look Like

Video surveillance is becoming far more powerful than most people realize.

A photo of a security camera.
Jan 24, 2022

One Year Later: How the Biden Administration is Doing on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

Across our issue areas, the Biden-Harris administration has made some progress — but much work remains to be done.

A photo of President Biden in the Oval Office wearing a mask.