Free Speech
Freedom of speech is critical to a healthy democracy. Everyone has the right to make their voice heard, even if their point of view is unpopular. The ACLU of Northern California protects the rights of all Californians to speak out, participate in political protest, and publish in the press without fear of reprisal.
The Latest
DHS Withdraws Subpoena Seeking to Unmask Instagram Users Who Posted About ICE Raids
A Victory for the Public's Right to Document Government Actions Without Retaliation
ACLU Demands Information From DHS About Alarming Pattern of Retaliation against Those Recording Immigration Agents
Immigration agents have threatened, brandished guns, and arrested those who record their raids. The ACLU is urgently seeking disclosure of records related to this practice.
Cases, Campaigns & Legislation
Sep 25, 2025
J. Doe v. United States Department of Homeland Security
We filed a motion in federal court to prevent Meta from complying with the Department of Homeland Security’s demand that the tech giant turn over the name, email address, and phone number associated with an Instagram account that reposted a video naming a Border Patrol agent. We argue that the government’s administrative subpoena violated First Amendment protections for anonymous political speech.
Feb 16, 2023
Martinez et al v. The City of Fresno
On March 16, 2022, the ACLU Foundation of Northern California (“ACLU”) filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Fresno, urging the court to strike down a city ordinance that targets unhoused people, and puts unconstitutional restrictions on advocates, organizers, and reporters who try to draw attention to how the unhoused are treated during encampment sweeps. In February 2022, city officials amended an existing ordinance to create a buffer zone around abatement activity, like encampment sweeps, taking place on public property. Anyone who enters the off-limits area “without express authorization” from the city can now be charged with a misdemeanor or fined up to $250.
This outrageously broad ordinance is a direct assault not just on our plaintiffs’ constitutional rights, but on everyone’s rights.
The ACLU and the California Homeless Union, represented by the Law Offices of Anthony D. Prince, filed the complaint in the United States District Court, Eastern District of California on behalf of Dez Martinez, a longtime advocate who was once unhoused, Robert McCloskey, a reporter and activist, the Fresno Homeless Union, and Faith in the Valley. The lawsuit seeks to stop the ordinance from going into effect on March 31 and ultimately to get it voided altogether.
On March 30, 2022, the ACLU and the California Homeless Union filed a motion for preliminary injunction to ask the Court to prohibit the City of Fresno from enforcing the ordinance and conducting nuisance abatements under the ordinance. In response, the City of Fresno moved to dismiss the lawsuit.
The Court has scheduled a hearing on the preliminary injunction for Wednesday, May 11.
Stay Informed
Sign up to be the first to hear about how to take action.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy statement.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy statement.