Press Releases

ACLU of Connecticut lawyers and advocates are leading experts on civil rights, civil liberties, and constitutional freedoms. They are regularly sought out by leading media to provide a voice to the most important issues facing Connecticut. If you are a member of the press and wish to speak with a representative of the ACLU of Connecticut, please contact us at media@acluct.org. If you are a member of the media and wish to receive ACLU of Connecticut press releases, please send your name, the outlet for which you work, your email address, and phone number to media@acluct.org with the subject line “Press Release Distribution.”

Apr 06, 2020

Statement Regarding Incident at Carl Robinson Correctional Institution in Enfield

The following is a reaction from ACLU of Connecticut executive director David McGuire to recent incidents at the Carl Robinson Correction Institution in Enfield.
Apr 03, 2020

Statement Regarding Fourth Deadly Shooting by Police in Connecticut in 2020

Police employees who were members of a capitol-area regional SWAT team shot and killed a man yesterday in Manchester.
Issue Areas: Policing
Apr 03, 2020

ACLU of Connecticut Files Emergency Lawsuit to Force Governor, Commissioner of Corrections to Protect Incarcerated People from COVID-19

The ACLU of Connecticut, representing the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (CCDLA) and people who are incarcerated, today filed a lawsuit in Superior Court seeking emergency action to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by reducing the number of people who are incarcerated in Connecticut
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal System
Mar 30, 2020

Reaction to First Positive COVID-19 Test of an Adult Incarcerated in Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Correction today announced that a man who is incarcerated at Corrigan-Radgowski Correctional Center tested positive for COVID-19. The positive test comes after a Department of Correction worker at the same facility tested positive for COVID-19 last week.
Mar 27, 2020

ACLU of Connecticut Sends Emergency Request to Connecticut Judicial Branch Seeking Temporary Rules Change to Reduce Pre-Trial Detention During COVID-19 Pandemic

In a letter sent to the Rules Committee of the Connecticut Judicial Branch, the ACLU requested committee members consider changing pre-trial release rules as a public health measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Included with the request was a letter from Connecticut medical professionals.
Mar 24, 2020

Reaction to First Positive COVID-19 Test of a Connecticut Department of Correction Worker

The Connecticut Department of Correction last night announced that an employee of Garner Correctional Institution tested positive for COVID-19. The following is a reaction from Melvin Medina, ACLU of Connecticut public policy and advocacy director.
Issue Areas: Smart Justice
Mar 18, 2020

Statement Regarding State’s Attorney’s Decision Not to Pursue Case Against Wethersfield Police Employee Layau Eulizier for Killing Anthony Jose “Chulo” Vega Cruz

Hartford State’s Attorney Gail Hardy today released a report determining that her office would not pursue charges against Wethersfield police employee Layau Eulizier for killing 18-year-old Anthony Jose “Chulo” Vega Cruz on April 20, 2019.
Issue Areas: Policing
Mar 12, 2020

ACLU of Connecticut Urges State Officials to Use Existing Powers to Release People Awaiting Trial, Certain Other Incarcerated People During COVID-19 Pandemic

In the wake of confirmed cases in Connecticut of coronavirus/COVID-19, the ACLU of Connecticut today called for state officials to take action to protect incarcerated people, corrections employees, and the general public by reducing the use of imprisonment in Connecticut.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal System
Mar 11, 2020

ACLU of Connecticut Comment on State of Connecticut Response to COVID-19

In response to coronavirus/COVID-19, Connecticut’s government announced that the state will be placed in a state of public health emergency. The following is a reaction from David McGuire, ACLU of Connecticut executive director.