COVID-19 Pandemic Response

COVID-19 Pandemic Response
Ensuring 'We the People' Means All of Us
As we all do our best to protect the health and well-being of family and friends in this unsettling time, the need for a government response guided by public health experts has become more urgent than ever. In this and all times of crisis, it is critical that “We The People” truly means all of us.
The ACLU is working nationwide to ensure the burdens of the outbreak and the government’s actions do not unfairly fall on our most vulnerable communities. We are also monitoring the government’s responses to ensure they are rooted in science and public health needs, not stigma or bias, and no more intrusive on civil liberties than absolutely necessary.
Last updated on June 17, 2021
See How Many Legal Cases We've Filed

Visit our COVID-19 legal case tracker to see what the ACLU is fighting for nationwide.
Featured Work
Protecting immigrant communities
This pandemic impacts all of us, regardless of immigration status. People and their families must feel safe to leave their homes and seek medical help, or gather the necessary supplies to keep their families safe. We’re calling on ICE to ensure that individuals in our communities can access medical care without fear of deportation.
We’re also suing multiple ICE detention centers, including in Washington, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, for the to immediately release of individuals from detention immigrants with the conditions public health experts agree put them at heightened risk of severe illness or death. These conditions include heart and lung disease, pregnancy, HIV, compromised immune systems, people over the age of 50, and others.
Select from menu
Protecting immigrant communities
This pandemic impacts all of us, regardless of immigration status. People and their families must feel safe to leave their homes and seek medical help, or gather the necessary supplies to keep their families safe. We’re calling on ICE to ensure that individuals in our communities can access medical care without fear of deportation.
We’re also suing multiple ICE detention centers, including in Washington, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, for the to immediately release of individuals from detention immigrants with the conditions public health experts agree put them at heightened risk of severe illness or death. These conditions include heart and lung disease, pregnancy, HIV, compromised immune systems, people over the age of 50, and others.
Addressing the exacerbated mass incarceration crisis
Safeguarding the right to vote
Protecting abortion rights
Protecting our privacy
Featured Stories

The Dangers of Expanding What Can Be Patented In the Age of COVID-19
Patent proponents are pushing for permanent changes to patent law that will undermine medical practice and scientific research well after this crisis ends.
The Dangers of Expanding What Can Be Patented In the Age of COVID-19
ICE is Trying to Deport My Husband While I Treat COVID Patients
An ICU nurse needs your help to stop her husband from being deported by ICE.
ICE is Trying to Deport My Husband While I Treat COVID Patients
Ten Questions College Students Should Ask About Their Schools’ COVID-19 Apps
Some COVID apps may be harmless or even helpful. But many others will create bad precedents while at best doing little to stem the spread of COVID-19.
Ten Questions College Students Should Ask About Their Schools’ COVID-19 Apps
New Data Connect the Federal Executions and a COVID-19 Outbreak in Indiana
The government’s rush to resume federal executions for the first time in 17 years during a pandemic has caused senseless risk for incarcerated people, prison staff, and everyone who lives in Terre Haute, Indiana.
New Data Connect the Federal Executions and a COVID-19 Outbreak in IndianaWhat You Can Do

Expand Voting Access During a Pandemic
Expand Voting Access During a Pandemic
COVID-19 Emergency Rent Relief Now
COVID-19 Emergency Rent Relief Now
Congress: Include Incarcerated People in COVID-19 Relief
Congress: Include Incarcerated People in COVID-19 ReliefDonate to the ACLU
The ACLU has been at the center of nearly every major civil liberties battle in the U.S. for more than 100 years. This vital work depends on the support of ACLU members in all 50 states and beyond.
We need you with us to keep fighting — donate today.
Contributions to the ACLU are not tax deductible.