Press Releases

Freedom of the press, protected by the First Amendment, is part of the fabric of our democracy. It serves as a vital check on government power and ensures the public’s right to make informed decisions. The ACLU of Puerto Rico supports the work of journalists, defends access to public information, and upholds the public’s right to know — because a free and independent press is essential to justice and accountability.

Media Requests:
David Cordero Mercado
Communications Director
dcordero@aclu.org
acluofpr@aclu.org

June 17, 2026

First Circuit blocks Fiscal Board’s attempt to shield officials sued for civil rights violations

In an ACLU of Puerto Rico case, the Fiscal Oversight Board had appealed an order by Judge Laura Taylor Swain clarifying that PROMESA does not protect current and former officials sued in their personal capacity.
Issue Areas: Free Speech
June 15, 2026

Supreme Court Again Denies DTOP’s Attempt to Keep Subpoena on Immigrants Hidden

For the second time, the Supreme Court’s determination in the ACLU of Puerto Rico case reaffirms the fundamental right of access to information and the people’s right to know how the exchange between the state agency and ICE took place
Issue Areas: Free Speech, Immigrant Rights
Court Cases: ACLU of PR v. DTOP
June 6, 2026

During Pride Month, ACLU of Puerto Rico Renews Alert Over Legislative Threats to LGBTQ+ Rights

The organization presented a broad overview of the legislative measures it has monitored from January 2025 to the present, including three that have already become law and others that remain under scrutiny
Issue Areas: Derechos de las comunidades LGBTQ+, Derechos de las personas transgénero, LGBTQ + Community Rights, Transgender Rights
Court Cases: Ínaru de la Fuente Díaz v. Jenniffer González Colón et al. - Amicus ACLU F. & ACLUPR
June 4, 2026

“Anti-democratic and unconstitutional”: ACLU of Puerto Rico rejects measure that would exclude incarcerated people from the right to vote

Instead of stripping rights as proposed by House Bill 1278, the organization urged rigorous oversight of the voting processes of the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation and the State Elections Commission
Issue Areas: Prisoners Rights, Voting Rights
May 29, 2026

National Civil Rights Organizations Document Disparities in FEMA’s Response in Puerto Rico in Amicus Brief Before Appeals Court in Boston

The evidence includes reduced direct assistance to households, a penalty against rural communities, and Puerto Rico’s exclusion from key risk assessment systems, as a new hurricane season approaches
Court Cases: Amicus Brief - Comité Diálogo Ambiental v. FEMA
May 28, 2026

Authorized statement on the passing of Attorney Wanda Valentín Custodio

Authorized statement by Annette Martínez Orabona, Executive Director of the ACLU of Puerto Rico, on the passing of Attorney Wanda Valentín Custodio
May 26, 2026

ACLU of Puerto Rico sues the Police over the killing of a war veteran

Daniel Maldonado Díaz was experiencing a mental health crisis when a police officer killed him with a shot to the chest during an intervention at his residence in Utuado
Court Cases: Nilda Díaz Huertas v. Joseph González Falcón et. al
May 21, 2026

Authorized expressions upon the death of the Viequense leader Ismael Guadalupe

Authorized expressions of Annette Martínez Orabona, executive director of the ACLU of Puerto Rico, upon the death of the Viequense leader Ismael Guadalupe:
May 19, 2026

ACLU of Puerto Rico reiterates that measure to amend the definition of the maritime-terrestrial zone prioritizes private interests over the public interest

The organization stated during a public hearing that House Bill 25 is incompatible with the constitutional principle of conserving our natural resources
Issue Areas: Environmental Justice