The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and its state affiliates are urging state and local officials to implement protective measures against potential rights violations during the upcoming Trump administration. The ACLU has been advising these officials on how to establish local policies and resist voluntary compliance with requests from President-elect Donald Trump.
Deirdre Schifeling, the ACLU's chief political and advocacy officer, stated, "Governors, attorneys general, mayors and other state and local officials should just say no to Trump’s attempts to take away our rights." She added that the organization has collaborated with its affiliates nationwide to create strategies for countering Trump's agenda in areas such as reproductive rights, immigration, and free speech.
In Minnesota, a town hall meeting was held in November featuring Attorney General Keith Ellison. Deepinder Mayell of the ACLU of Minnesota emphasized the state's commitment to protecting civil liberties by calling for Governor Tim Walz to convene a special session focused on safeguarding marginalized communities.
The ACLU outlined several actions for state and local leaders:
- Avoid collaborating voluntarily with federal entities that could violate civil rights.
- Prepare communities for potential mass deportations by establishing protocols including legal assistance.
- Support abortion care through funding services like travel.
- Protect children from discrimination under new federal policies.
- Prevent military involvement in domestic law enforcement.
Amol Sinha of the ACLU of New Jersey highlighted New Jersey's role as a "beacon of hope" by advocating for the Immigrant Trust Act and expanding access to reproductive healthcare. Michele Storms from Washington echoed similar sentiments regarding protections within her state.
Other states releasing plans include Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont. Further details are available at aclu.org/firewall.
