ACLU of Massachusetts legal director Jessie Rossman welcomed the federal appeals court ruling ordering the Trump administration to transfer Rümeysa Öztürk from ICE custody in Louisiana to Vermont. This statement underscores the organization's commitment to protecting civil rights and pushing back against authoritarian detention practices.

The ACLU of Massachusetts has introduced the Firewalls for Freedom campaign, a playbook urging state and local leaders to adopt measures that protect civil liberties against potential federal authoritarian overreach, such as enforced mass deportations and surveillance practices.

The ACLU of Massachusetts unveiled its comprehensive 2024 Election Action Plan, outlining multiple initiatives to boost voter engagement, monitor polls, and safeguard free expression in response to increased political violence and authoritarian threats. The plan emphasizes efforts such as voter education, poll protection, and defending political speech, with actions aimed at countering undue restrictions on democratic participation.

During the 2023-2024 legislative session, the ACLU of Massachusetts mobilized thousands of supporters and worked with legislative champions to advance civil liberties reforms. Their advocacy focused on technology-related privacy measures, criminal justice reforms, housing protections, and public health initiatives, highlighting both legislative victories and missed opportunities to further safeguard civil rights.

The ACLU of Massachusetts is actively engaging in a series of initiatives that bolster democracy. Recent campaigns such as “What a Difference a DA Makes”, “Know Your Sheriff”, and the BIPOC to the Ballot Box effort have partnered with grassroots organizations to promote voter education and registration. Additionally, the organization defended the Rural Justice Network by filing a successful lawsuit against discriminatory permit blocks for a drag show event, upholding free expression and challenging authoritarian censorship.

ACLU of Massachusetts introduced the Data for Justice Project to provide activists, advocates, journalists, policymakers, and elected officials with timely government data aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in a democratic society.

ACLU of Massachusetts has supported the Boston City Council's introduction of an ordinance to ban the use of face surveillance technology by the city government. This move, highlighted by the ACLU's 'Press Pause on Face Surveillance' campaign, aims to protect civil liberties and prevent discriminatory surveillance practices that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.

The ACLU of Massachusetts launched its 'Press Pause on Face Surveillance' campaign to educate the public about the risks of facial surveillance technology and to push for legislative bans on its use by government agencies in various cities.