Hi John,  

We’ve been organizing everywhere this summer: In the streets, in the halls of government, and yes, right in your inbox.

From 24-hour vigils to town halls, ACLU People Power activists have shown up with resolve, clarity, and commitment. Even as Congress passed the “Big Ugly Bill,” putting millions at risk of losing Medicaid, and the Supreme Court let Tennessee’s trans healthcare ban stand, we stayed grounded in what we know: 

We don’t back down. Not on immigrant rights. Not on healthcare. Not on our right to protest, organize, and build for a better future. 

As Congress heads into August recess and threats to our civil liberties escalate, we’re not taking a break. We’re turning up the pressure. Here’s how we’ve shown up this summer- and what we’re building together next.

Across the country, People Power Volunteers are fighting to stop 287(g) agreements: the harmful policies that deputize local law enforcement as ICE agents. In Minnesota, over 50 volunteers joined the ACLU of MN’s first state-wide volunteer engagement call to learn about 287(g). The ACLU of MN also hosted a statewide community training on preventing 287(g) agreements, and 14 People Power activists joined MN community leaders to form an action team in Kandiyohi County, the most recent county to enter a 287(g) agreement. 

And in Delaware, ACLU of DE won a major victory: Governor Meyer signed HB 182, making Delaware the 7th state to ban law enforcement from entering into 287(g) agreements with ICE (deals that turn local police into deportation agents).The ACLU of DE launched a rapid campaign that, in just a few weeks, publicly pressured lawmakers, secured support from the state attorney general, introduced the bill, and successfully pushed it through the legislature with bipartisan support- passing on the very last day of their legislative session!

In Idaho, faith leaders and organizers held vigils and panels during the preliminary hearing for HB135- a bill that creates cruel new barriers for immigrants seeking public services. Over 53 activists showed up to hear from powerful speakers and take action against the bill.

And in Colorado, our activists joined the “Good Trouble” day of action in Denver to protest ICE’s detention expansion plans and expose the impact of the “Big Ugly Bill”. The ACLU of CO uncovered 6 potential new ICE sites via public records and called for immediate action. Our volunteers also demanded an end to Flock Cameras- automated license plate readers that federal agencies have accessed despite state law. Learn more here.

Despite relentless organizing that featured late-night hearings, 24-hour vigils, and countless phonebanks, Congress passed the so-called federal "Big Ugly Bill", putting millions of Medicaid recipients at risk. But People Power activists aren’t letting lawmakers off the hook. 

Within hours of the bill’s passage, People Power Activists targeted more than 30 congressional districts with rapid response actions to demand accountability from legislators who voted yes. In Arizona, our organizers are planning a town hall to discuss what’s next for healthcare in Phoenix- and how to hold local lawmakers accountable. And in Colorado, volunteers led multiple actions to spotlight the bill’s devastating impact. Our community won’t stop organizing- and neither will we. 

“This is about life and death. Most people on Medicaid are kids, seniors, and disabled folks. They just want to live.’ - ACLU People Power Volunteer

After the Supreme Court ruled in U.S. v Skrmetti, a case that directly impacts trans people’s access to healthcare, over 2,300 people power activists RSVPed for our July Action call to share, reflect, and stay clear-eyed in the face of attacks on bodily autonomy.

“Regardless of whether we are trans or not, can get pregnant or not, or are a citizen or not, we all want- and deserve- the freedom to make decisions about our bodies.” - Kris Hayashi, Director of National Campaigns, Transgender Justice, ACLU

The call was a powerful reminder: the trans movement is resilient and rising. Pride began as a protest against police violence, systemic neglect, and a culture that treated LGBTQ people as disposable. That protest spirit is alive today, and it’s more necessary than ever.

In the days following the ruling, the ACLU, Lambda Legal, and more than 400 organizations in 26 states mobilized a Proud & Free Week of Action. Our shared goals: build a unified response to the Skrmetti decision, center the trans people most impacted, and channel our grief into clear calls to action. At over 50 community events in 45 cities—from rallies and teach-ins to marches and vigils— we came together to ground ourselves in care, resistance, and trans joy.

"Trans communities and movements have always been here. We have always taken care of each other even before we had rights.” - Kris Hayashi, Director of National Campaigns, Transgender Justice, ACLU

We’re building power across the country with trainings that uplift new and seasoned organizers alike. We’ve trained people power activists at full-day Power and Purpose trainings nationwide that are designed to sharpen skills, share strategies, and connect activists.

We also kicked off the National Advocacy Institute, bringing together 900 high school activists from across the country. These young leaders are learning their First Amendment rights and gaining practical tools to organize safely and effectively. With this training, we’re equipping the next generation to fight back and build strong, resilient movements in their communities.

On Thursday, August 7th at 8 PM ET, we’re hosting Session 2 of our new Organizing to Protect Democracy training series- and this time, we’re diving into relational organizing. We’ll break down how relational organizing works and how you can start using it right away, no matter your experience level. Click now to RSVP and save your spot.

SCOTUS upheld Tennessee’s trans health care ban—and now Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is pushing a federal bill to criminalize care nationwide. It would mean 10 years in federal prison for any provider offering gender-affirming health care to trans youth. We can’t let it happen. Send a message to your member of congress today and demand that they vote against this bill.

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