Throughout U.S. history, “national security” has often been used as a pretext for massive violations of individual rights. In the past decade, the fight against terrorism has served as the pretext for serious attacks on civil liberties in New York State and nationwide. In response, the NYCLU has mounted challenges – both in New York and, in partnership with the ACLU, nationally – to abuses of power including the USA Patriot Act, domestic wiretapping, invasive and unconstitutional border stops, and other abuses.
Please explore this page to learn more about the NYCLU’s work to keep New Yorkers both safe and free.
Raza v. City of New York (Challenging the NYPD’s Muslim Surveillance Program)
Reisner v. Catone (Challenging Office of Professional Discipline's failure to investigate and sanction Gitmo psychologist)
Cunningham v. New York State Department of Labor (Challenging warrantless GPS tracking of state employee's personal car)
Abidor v. Napolitano (Challenging DHS policy authorizing suspicionless search and siezure of travelers' electronic devices)
NYCLU v. City of Saratoga Springs (Seeking access to information on the police department's use of Tasers)
NYCLU v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Seeking access to information about Lower Manhattan Security Initiative)
The Latest
NYCLU Briefing on Statewide Impact of Trump Order Against Muslims...
January 30, 2017NYCLU Statement on Executive Orders Targeting Muslims and Refugees
January 29, 2017In State Addresses, Cuomo Must Announce Plans to Make New York a...
January 9, 2017Judge Calls for Additional Safeguards in NYPD Surveillance Rules
October 31, 2016
Op-Ed: When Minority Report Becomes Our Reality (Huffington Post)
October 11, 2016
Cuomo’s New Crossings Project Ushers in New Era of Surveillance
October 6, 2016