Press Releases

ACLU-VA Urges Virginia Department of Corrections to Secure an Inmate in Solitary Confinement from Harm

Following news report that Kevin D.

May 11, 2018

Report: Virginia’s Use of Solitary Confinement is in Need of Drastic Reform; ACLU of Virginia Calls for Governor to Sign Executive Order

The report calls for solitary confinement to be banned in state prisons except “only in rare and exceptional cases, for the shortest duration, with the least restrictive setting necessary and only when the prisoner poses a credible continuing and serious threat to the security others."

May 10, 2018

4th Circuit Rules Forensic Searches of Electronic Devices Seized at the Border Must Be Justified by Individualized Suspicion

Today, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision in US v.

May 9, 2018

Virginia Supreme Court Rules Random Surveillance by Police is not exempt from Virginia's Government Data Collection and Dissemination Act

The Virginia Supreme Court today made clear in Neal v. Fairfax, a case brought by the ACLU-VA against the Fairfax County Police Department, that random mass surveillance by law enforcement agencies is not exempt from the requirements of Virginia’s Government Data Collection and Dissemination Act.

April 26, 2018

ACLU-VA to Gov. Northam: "Sanctuary Cities" Bill Will Make Virginia Less Safe

Virginia should welcome newcomers and promote cooperation between immigrants and local police; not create fear of detention and removal for coming forward to report crimes. For these reason, the ACLU of Virginia urges Governor Northam to veto HB 1257.

March 27, 2018

ACLU-VA Urges Governor Northam to Veto Bills on DNA Databank Expansion

The ACLU of Virginia sent Governor Ralph Northam a letter urging him to veto Senate Bill 565 and House Bill 1249, which would add more misdemeanor offenses to the list of crimes for which any offender's DNA must be collected upon conviction.

March 26, 2018