National Security
FBI v. Fikre
Whether the government can overcome the voluntary cessation exception to mootness by removing an individual from the No Fly List when the government has not repudiated its decision to place him on the List and remains free to return him to the List for the same reasons and using the same procedures he alleges were unlawful.
Status: Ongoing
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Florida
Nov 2023
Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Florida v. Raymond Rodrigues
The University of Florida chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine filed a lawsuit on November 16, 2023, challenging the Chancellor of the State University System of Florida’s order to state universities to deactivate the student group. This order threatens the students’ constitutionally-protected right to free speech and association in violation of the First Amendment. The ACLU and its partners are seeking a preliminary injunction that would bar the Chancellor and the University of Florida from deactivating the UF SJP.
Status: Ongoing
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U.S. Supreme Court
Apr 2022
FBI v. Fazaga
In a case scheduled to be argued before the U.S. Supreme Court on November 8, 2021, three Muslim Americans are challenging the FBI’s secret spying on them and their communities based on their religion, in violation of the Constitution and federal law. In what will likely be a landmark case, the plaintiffs — Yassir Fazaga, Ali Uddin Malik, and Yasser Abdelrahim — insist that the FBI cannot escape accountability for violating their religious freedom by invoking “state secrets.” The plaintiffs are represented by the Center for Immigration Law and Policy at UCLA School of Law, the ACLU of Southern California, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Council for American Islamic Relations, and the law firm of Hadsell Stormer Renick & Dai.
Status: Closed (Judgment)
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U.S. Supreme Court
Jul 2021
Sierra Club v. Trump — Challenge to Trump’s National Emergency Declaration to Construct a Border Wall
In February 2019, the ACLU filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s emergency powers declaration to secure funds to build a wall along the southern border. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the Sierra Club and the Southern Border Communities Coalition. The lawsuit argues that the president is usurping Congress’s appropriations power and threatening the clearly defined separation of powers inscribed in the Constitution. On January 20, 2021, President Biden halted further border wall construction. Litigation in this and subsequent related challenges has been paused or deadlines extended while the ACLU’s clients and the Biden administration determine next steps.
Status: Ongoing
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Indiana
Oct 2016
Exodus Refugee Immigration, Inc. v. Mike Pence, et al
The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Indiana, on behalf of Exodus Refugee Immigration, filed suit against Governor Mike Pence and the secretary of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration to stop attempts to suspend resettlement of Syrian refugees, claiming the governor’s actions violate the United States Constitution and federal law.
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All Cases
147 National Security Cases
U.S. Supreme Court
Jun 2006
Hamdan v. Rumsfeld
Challenge to the validity of the military commissions established by President Bush to try detainees as part of the war against terrorism. DECIDED
Status: Closed (Judgment)
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U.S. Supreme Court
National Security
Human Rights
Hamdan v. Rumsfeld
Challenge to the validity of the military commissions established by President Bush to try detainees as part of the war against terrorism. DECIDED
Jun 2006
Status: Closed (Judgment)
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U.S. Supreme Court
Nov 2005
Gonzales v. UDV
Reviewing a church's claim under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act that it cannot be barred fom importing a hallucinogenic tea used in its sacramental ceremonies. DECIDED
Status: Closed (Judgment)
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U.S. Supreme Court
National Security
Religious Liberty
Gonzales v. UDV
Reviewing a church's claim under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act that it cannot be barred fom importing a hallucinogenic tea used in its sacramental ceremonies. DECIDED
Nov 2005
Status: Closed (Judgment)
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U.S. Supreme Court
Oct 2005
Garcetti v. Ceballos
Reviewing whether a government whistleblower forfeits all First Amendment protection by speaking out in the course of his or her job. DECIDED
Status: Closed (Judgment)
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U.S. Supreme Court
National Security
Garcetti v. Ceballos
Reviewing whether a government whistleblower forfeits all First Amendment protection by speaking out in the course of his or her job. DECIDED
Oct 2005
Status: Closed (Judgment)
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U.S. Supreme Court
May 2005
Cutter v. Wilkinson
Reviewing the constitutionality of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, a federal law designed in part to protect the free exercise rights of prisoners and other institutionalized persons. DECIDED
Status: Closed (Judgment)
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U.S. Supreme Court
National Security
Religious Liberty
Cutter v. Wilkinson
Reviewing the constitutionality of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, a federal law designed in part to protect the free exercise rights of prisoners and other institutionalized persons. DECIDED
May 2005
Status: Closed (Judgment)
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U.S. Supreme Court
Jan 2005
Benitez v. Mata
Reviewing the government's claim that "Mariel" Cubans can be subject to indefinite detention if they have been found excludable from the United States and Cuba will not allow their return. DECIDED
Status: Closed (Judgment)
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U.S. Supreme Court
National Security
+2 Issues
Benitez v. Mata
Reviewing the government's claim that "Mariel" Cubans can be subject to indefinite detention if they have been found excludable from the United States and Cuba will not allow their return. DECIDED
Jan 2005
Status: Closed (Judgment)
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