ACLU leader says civil liberties are under growing pressure in US

In short: ACLU executive director Anthony Romero says the US is in its toughest period for civil liberties since he took the job in 2001.

What's going on

Anthony Romero, who has led the American Civil Liberties Union since September 2001, said the country is facing the most difficult period for civil liberties and civil rights during his time in the role. He pointed to pressure on voting rights, immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, free speech, and due process.

In a Nov. 1, 2026 interview, Romero argued that actions by the federal government are driving many of these challenges. He also described the ACLU as running a large effort that includes lawsuits and public advocacy, and said the group chooses its cases carefully.

Romero also urged business leaders to speak up in defense of democratic institutions. He said many corporate chiefs are avoiding hard public issues.

It is important to note that this is Romero’s assessment, not a neutral measurement showing that Americans have fewer rights overall. Still, some of the ACLU’s concerns overlap with topics discussed in a recent Stanford Law discussion of ACLU-related cases, including immigration, voting, free speech, and government accountability.

What to watch

Watch whether more major companies and CEOs take public positions on voting rules, immigration policy, and free speech disputes, and whether those statements lead to policy changes or legal challenges. Also watch for which cases the ACLU chooses next, since those decisions can shape what issues end up in court.

Source: NYTimes