ACLU of Maine

08/25/2026

Just because the government can't take a joke doesn't mean they can stop Cats on a Couch or anyone else from making them.

Learn more about today's First Amendment victory in our case at tinyurl.com/55ywxvub

08/24/2026

This is a win for everyone's free speech rights. No matter who holds power, everyone has the right to poke fun at elected officials without getting banned from their official events.

Read more about this case representing Cats on a Couch >> tinyurl.com/55ywxvub

08/23/2026

We won our Supreme Court case defending birthright citizenship, but the president is once again trying to upend the plain language of the 14th Amendment. The Court was clear, and the Constitution protects these children — no ifs, ands, or buts.

Read more about our latest court actions >> tinyurl.com/3xrsm7y9

08/22/2026

Across the political spectrum, people know they deserve to move around town free from constant government surveillance.

08/21/2026

"This idea that even after the charges have been dismissed or you've been found not guilty, we're still going to punish you, that kind of flies in the face of just basic procedural due process."

Incarcerated Mainers are pushing back against a longstanding loophole in the Department of Corrections disciplinary policy that allows staff to issue punishments before and regardless of a finding of guilt.

08/21/2026

No matter who is in power, the Constitution protects our right to publicly joke, mock, insult, and dissent. The government is on notice that our client, Cats on a Couch, knows her First Amendment rights and will fight in court to enforce them.

Read more >> tinyurl.com/mwx7becu

08/20/2026

We wrote to over 100 police departments, all sheriff’s offices and various state agencies, explaining what Maine's new ICE Out laws require.

“People are free to have their own opinions on the law — the important thing is that the law is followed,” said Anahita Sotoohi, an attorney for the ACLU of Maine, which was involved in introducing the legislation and its passage.

Maine police chiefs and sheriffs say their departments are complying with the new law, but some have concerns about its restrictions.

08/18/2026

TODAY: Join our national colleagues for a Know Your Rights training as you prepare to vote in the midterm elections. More info + registration ⤵

Voting is one of the most important ways that we hold our leaders accountable and make our voices heard, and we’re always going to fight to protect that essential right.

Join our August Know Your Rights Training, where we’ll cover everything you need to know before you hit the polls this November. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/aclu/event/996634/

08/17/2026

The federal government is targeting academics based on their viewpoint, threatening them with deportation. This is a blatant violation of their First Amendment rights.

Read more about our latest brief ⤵️

We're asking a federal court to ensure that students and faculty on college campuses can engage in free speech without fear of retaliation.

08/16/2026

The Trump administration is trying to jail immigrants with no opportunity to see a judge and seek their freedom. It's as cruel as it is unlawful – and the courts agree.

A federal appeals court rejected the Trump administration's denial of bond hearings to immigrants in detention.