Hi John,  

This September, we are facing a turning point. 

President Trump has deployed troops to Washington, D.C., seizing control of local police and sending National Guard units from five states to patrol our nation’s capital. ICE agents are among those conducting enforcement in the DMV.  At the same time, President Trump and his allies are pushing the largest expansion of immigration detention in U.S. history. 

This is not about safety. This is about power and control. And it is a direct threat to our democracy. 

In moments like these, our responsibility is clear: to resist authoritarianism, to defend our rights, and to protect the communities most under attack. And that’s exactly what ACLU People Power activists are doing- in D.C. and across the country. 

From rallies at Fort Bliss to community town halls in Maryland, we are showing up- in the streets, in the courts, and in our communities- to protect our civil liberties and defend democracy. Here’s how we’ve shown up this month:

Across the country, ACLU activists have been confronting abuses of power head-on, showing that any threat to our democracy is unacceptable.

When President Trump declared his takeover of D.C. and deployed troops to the nation’s capital, our volunteers and staff poured into the streets to send a clear message: D.C. will not be subject to authoritarian control.

That same energy stretched far beyond D.C. In Texas, when lawmakers attempted to redraw electoral maps in a special election to gerrymander districts and erase the voices of communities of color, more than 5,000 people rallied at the Texas Capitol for a National Day of Action. Together, speakers lifted up the fights for voting rights, reproductive freedom, and trans justice. The message was clear: Governor Abbott and state lawmakers must stop undermining democracy.

“You showed up today, but you can’t stop showing up. Let’s build bridges and empower all Texans, so everyone has an equal voice in shaping a future where we can all thrive- no exceptions. - Oni Blair, Executive Director of ACLU Texas

The Trump administration’s plan to detain 100,000 people by year’s end is one of the clearest examples yet of authoritarian overreach. From military bases to “soft-sided” tent facilities, they are weaponizing the military against immigrant communities and sowing fear. But ACLU activists are pushing back at every step.

At Fort Bliss—once a site of cruel internment for Japanese Americans during WWII—the administration now plans to open the largest immigration detention center in U.S. history. Up to 5,000 people would be confined in tents, exposed to extreme Texas heat and unsafe conditions.

But ACLU activists aren’t letting it stand. In response, ACLU of Texas and ACLU of New Mexico joined with Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, New Mexico Dream Team, Border Network for Human Rights, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, and others for a press conference and rally calling on Congress to stop the conversion.

And the resistance is spreading. In Florida, ACLU People Power activists joined local faith leaders for a vigil at Everglades Detention Center on August 17. More than 100 people gathered, drawing strong press coverage and building momentum to shut the facility down.

In Minnesota, ACLU organizers held a rapid-response vigil at the Kandiyohi County Law Enforcement Center after a St. Paul mother- with no criminal history and an active asylum case- was detained. Around 50 activists joined to demand her release and amplify the call to end ICE detention.

“Aguilar Maldonado is “grateful for all the thoughts, prayers and support she has received…Aguilar Maldonado wants nothing more than to be reunited with her two children.” - Dale Morin, West Central Tribune

While detention expands, our ACLU People Power volunteers are also continuing the fight against 287 g agreements: the harmful policies that deputize local law enforcement as ICE agents.  

In Maryland, more than 85 people gathered on the Lower Eastern Shore to learn, plan, and organize. The work continues on September 16 with a public comment training to prepare residents to testify at council meetings and demand that 287(g) stays out of Wicomico County.

“Many thanks to all for your leadership, tenacity, and tonight’s fantastic program. I look forward to our continued collaboration! #ThePeopleUnitedWillNeverBeDefeated”.” - ACLU MD Staff

And in Arizona, 60 community members gathered for a town hall in Rep. Schweikert’s district to take on immigration abuse of power, building grassroots momentum to push back against federal overreach.

Momentum is building across the country, and our Power and Purpose trainings are at the heart of it. These sessions are designed to energize new and seasoned organizers alike, giving activists the tools to connect with communities, build strategy, and resist authoritarian policies in their own backyards.

In Arizona, a full-day Power and Purpose training drew 81 attendees, who learned how to coordinate with local advocates, map power, and take action on immigration and civil liberties issues.

New Jersey hosted its Power and Purpose training on August 16th- its first ever volunteer engagement event, bringing 70 people together for a day of strategy, skill-building, and organizing. These volunteers are now stepping into campaigns with confidence, ready to amplify their impact.

North Carolina also held two People Power education sessions, equipping attendees with practical skills to organize their communities and fight for justice. 

Each of these training sessions is not just an event — it’s a movement-building moment. Activists leave inspired, connected, and ready to take action alongside ACLU People Power.

Check out our People Power website to find a training near you and sign up to join the next wave of organizers- or join our online series.

In moments like these, our responsibility is clear: to resist authoritarianism, to defend our rights, and to protect the communities most under attack. And that’s exactly why we’re hosting a KYR training on 9/5/25 at 8 PM ET- to make sure you know your rights when you need it most. Together, we’ll learn our rights so that we can mobilize for a national March in DC on 9/6 and send a clear message: D.C. will not be subject to authoritarian control.

On Tuesday, September 9th at 8 PM ET, we’re hosting Session 3 of our new Organizing to Protect Democracy training series- and this time, we’re diving into power mapping and the spectrum of allies. These are the tools activists use to win big, build coalitions, and create real impact. Click now to RSVP and save your spot.

President Trump has seized control of D.C.’s police and deployed federal forces, highlighting how Congress and the White House can override the will of D.C. residents. Statehood would give Washingtonians equal representation and protection from federal overreach. H.R. 51/ S. 51 would grant D.C. statehood and equal representation to Washingtonians, but it will take all of us – especially those with representation – to ensure it succeeds. Send a message to your senators urging support of H.R. 51/ S. 51.

President Trump and his allies are fueling the largest expansion of immigration detention in U.S. history, with over 60,000 people already detained and far more on the way. They’re even blocking Members of Congress from visiting detention facilities, despite their legal authority to oversee them. Urge your Members of Congress to demand access, hold ICE accountable, and help shut down the detention machine.

If you’re ready to get active and get involved, now is the time to sign up and volunteer. Join our community of activists organizing for immigrant rights, gender justice, and civil liberties nationwide. Whether you’re phone banking, text banking, or showing up in person – we need you. Sign up today and join our activist community!

No matter what happens in the courts or on Capitol Hill, one thing is certain: We’re still here. Organizing. Protecting each other. Building the future we deserve. And we’re not going anywhere.

Want to stay connected between newsletters? Visit our new People Power website at aclu.org/peoplepower for real-time updates, upcoming actions, and organizing resources. 

In solidarity,

The ACLU People Power Team