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 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 Indiana
Federal Judges are Failing Incarcerated People During the Pandemic
As a deadly pandemic rages on, the stakes could not be higher. We need judges who understand how lopsided and cruel our system of mass incarceration is.
Federal Judges are Failing Incarcerated People During the Pandemic
The Trump Administration's Attack on Abortion Access Disproportionately Harms Communities of Color Already Devastated by COVID-19
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to reinstate an FDA restriction on medication for early abortion that disproportionately harms people of color — during a pandemic that is killing those same communities. It's a direct attack on the health and safety of people of color.
The Trump Administration's Attack on Abortion Access Disproportionately Harms Communities of Color Already Devastated by COVID-19
My Brother’s Not Afraid of Much. With COVID-19 in Prison, He’s Scared Out of His Mind.
Scott Clements, a lifelong New Jerseyan, is fighting to save the life of his brother Brian, who faces a heightened risk of contracting COVID-19 in prison and has underlying health conditions that would make the virus a death sentence.
My Brother’s Not Afraid of Much. With COVID-19 in Prison, He’s Scared Out of His Mind.
Why Evicting Millions During a Pandemic is Bad For Our Democracy
In spite of the CDC's partial moratorium on evictions, tenants nationwide remain vulnerable.
Why Evicting Millions During a Pandemic is Bad For Our Democracy
Not Even a Global Pandemic Could Stop the Federal Government from Pursuing a String of Back-to-Back Executions This Summer
The Justice Department's eagerness to rush through federal executions is grotesque — as is its willingness to expose hundreds of individuals to COVID-19 in the process.
Not Even a Global Pandemic Could Stop the Federal Government from Pursuing a String of Back-to-Back Executions This Summer
"The Very Prescription is to Stay Home": What it’s Like to be Evicted During a Global Pandemic
As moratoriums on eviction lift across the country, tens of millions of people could lose their shelter during a public health crisis.
"The Very Prescription is to Stay Home": What it’s Like to be Evicted During a Global Pandemic
Tracking Apps are Unlikely to Help Stop COVID-19
The debate over using apps for contact tracing or exposure warnings to help fight COVID-19 is largely a sideshow to the principal coronavirus health needs.
Tracking Apps are Unlikely to Help Stop COVID-19
Retired Federal Probation Officer: Stop Sending People to COVID-Filled Prisons Unnecessarily
No one should be thrown in jail for a frivolous charge — especially during a pandemic. Unfortunately, that's often not the case.
Retired Federal Probation Officer: Stop Sending People to COVID-Filled Prisons Unnecessarily
Incarcerated People are Still Dying of COVID-19, and We’re Still Fighting to Save Them
The pandemic should have been a wake-up call, but our criminal legal system continues to devalue the lives of incarcerated people.
Incarcerated People are Still Dying of COVID-19, and We’re Still Fighting to Save Them
Decarceration and Crime During COVID-19
Our data finds that crime rates decreased in nearly every city this spring compared to the same period the year prior.
Decarceration and Crime During COVID-19
As Overdoses Spike During Coronavirus, Treating Addiction in Prisons and Jails is a Matter of Life and Death
MAT saves lives. It's time we offer it to incarcerated people as a matter of policy.
As Overdoses Spike During Coronavirus, Treating Addiction in Prisons and Jails is a Matter of Life and Death
The Looming Unspoken Crisis: How a Pandemic Exacerbates the Unjust Exclusions Wrought by the Criminal System
How the COVID-19 pandemic's impact has the potential to wreak havoc on an often forgotten population.
The Looming Unspoken Crisis: How a Pandemic Exacerbates the Unjust Exclusions Wrought by the Criminal System
Lives are at Stake. Will Congress Act?
Four key actions the Senate can take to protect marginalized communities and the most vulnerable people in the United States.
Lives are at Stake. Will Congress Act?
How State Governments Across the Country Failed to Protect Our Communities From COVID-19
By ignoring warnings and failing to take action, state leaders have endangered incarcerated people, corrections facility staff, and communities at large.
How State Governments Across the Country Failed to Protect Our Communities From COVID-19
How Nursing Homes Got Away With Hiding Bodies During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Months after declaring COVID-19 a national emergency, HHS still doesn’t collect essential data on deaths and infections in nursing homes and other congregate settings for people with disabilities.
How Nursing Homes Got Away With Hiding Bodies During the COVID-19 Outbreak
DHS Watchdog Confirms: ICE is Failing to Protect Detained People From COVID
ICE continues to claim it is adequately protecting people in its custody from COVID. A new report shows how patently untrue that is.
DHS Watchdog Confirms: ICE is Failing to Protect Detained People From COVID
COVID-19 Deaths in Nursing Homes are Not Unavoidable — They are the Result of Deadly Discrimination
We as a society must reckon with our relentless marginalization and de-prioritization of people with disabilities and the people who support them.
COVID-19 Deaths in Nursing Homes are Not Unavoidable — They are the Result of Deadly Discrimination
The FDA is Making Needless COVID-19 Risks a Condition of Abortion and Miscarriage Care. We’re Suing.
Against a nationwide medical consensus, the FDA is forcing patients to endure life-threatening risks to access medication to end an early pregnancy or treat a miscarriage.
The FDA is Making Needless COVID-19 Risks a Condition of Abortion and Miscarriage Care. We’re Suing.
ICE’s Lack of Transparency About COVID-19 in Detention Will Cost Lives
ICE has been demonstrably dishonest with the courts and public about matters related to COVID-19 — so we're filing a FOIA request to uncover more information.
ICE’s Lack of Transparency About COVID-19 in Detention Will Cost Lives
We’re Suing to Protect Press Freedom During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Especially in times of emergency, the First Amendment rights to free speech and a free press must be zealously defended against government meddling.
We’re Suing to Protect Press Freedom During the COVID-19 Pandemic
How to Co-opt a Pandemic to Ban Asylum
The Trump administration is exploiting a public health crisis to achieve its long-held goal of ending asylum at the border
How to Co-opt a Pandemic to Ban Asylum
When a Two-Year Sentence Becomes a Death Sentence
The refusal to let pregnant people out of prison shows just how deep our mass incarceration obsession runs — particularly in Indian Country.
When a Two-Year Sentence Becomes a Death Sentence
Technology and Liberties in the Fight Against Coronavirus
We need to continue to think creatively about how new technology can help us fight this disease, but we also need to remain skeptical before we compromise our civil liberties.
Technology and Liberties in the Fight Against Coronavirus
Coronavirus 'Immunity Passports' are not the Answer
A system of immunity passports in the United States threatens to exacerbate racial disparities and harm the civil liberties of all.
Coronavirus 'Immunity Passports' are not the Answer
Contact Tracing and COVID-19: Lessons From HIV
There are differences between HIV and COVID-19, but some lessons still hold true.
Contact Tracing and COVID-19: Lessons From HIV
In Fear of Falling Behind and Privacy Invasions, Students Demand Action on Remote Learning
As COVID-19 school closures spread, governments nationwide must address the education crisis in America.
In Fear of Falling Behind and Privacy Invasions, Students Demand Action on Remote Learning
During COVID-19 Crisis, We Must Prioritize the Release of Pregnant People
The death of Andrea Circle Bear presents a tragic wake-up call: Pregnant people must be prioritized for release during this pandemic.
During COVID-19 Crisis, We Must Prioritize the Release of Pregnant People
Dallas County Officials are Leaving Vulnerable People to Catch COVID-19 in Jail
Even after selling off her wedding ring, one woman was unable to get her husband to safety.
Dallas County Officials are Leaving Vulnerable People to Catch COVID-19 in Jail
What Happened When I Needed an Abortion During the Pandemic
One woman’s story of trying to access abortion care in Tennessee during COVID-19.
What Happened When I Needed an Abortion During the Pandemic
McDonald’s Employees are Working through the COVID-19 Pandemic. So Why Don’t They Have Access to Paid Sick and Family Leave?
No one should be forced to choose between going to work sick during a global pandemic or staying home and potentially losing their job.
McDonald’s Employees are Working through the COVID-19 Pandemic. So Why Don’t They Have Access to Paid Sick and Family Leave?
How to Protest in a Pandemic
Physical distancing measures have presented challenges, but people have found some creative ways to make sure their voices are heard.
How to Protest in a Pandemic
Poetry, Prison, and the Pandemic
Poet, memoirist, and legal scholar Reginald Dwayne Betts joins us on the podcast this week to talk about his work, and life after prison — before and during a pandemic.
Poetry, Prison, and the Pandemic
COVID-19 Will Bring Mass Evictions Unless We Act Now
We must work to guarantee that no individual or family faces the loss of their home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 Will Bring Mass Evictions Unless We Act Now
A COVID-19 Balancing Act: Public Health and Privacy
As states begin to slowly loosen restrictions and stay at home orders, tech giants want to harness their products for contact tracing. How can we protect public health, while ensuring this technology is used safely and without bias?
A COVID-19 Balancing Act: Public Health and Privacy
Federal Bill Would Release Vulnerable People from Prisons to Help Stop Spread of COVID-19
The Emergency Community Supervision Act requires the Bureau of Prisons to immediately place vulnerable individuals in home confinement or other community supervision outside of prison.
Federal Bill Would Release Vulnerable People from Prisons to Help Stop Spread of COVID-19
We’re Working to Safeguard Our Democracy and Our Health
We're working in Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and DC.
We’re Working to Safeguard Our Democracy and Our Health
After a Lifetime Apart, COVID-19 Prison Release Reunites Mother and Daughter
Chalana McFarland describes what it's like to be incarcerated during the pandemic and the moment she learned she'd be released due to COVID-19.
After a Lifetime Apart, COVID-19 Prison Release Reunites Mother and Daughter
New Model Shows Reducing Jail Population will Lower COVID-19 Death Toll for All of Us
The U.S. obsession with mass incarceration is our country’s Achilles heel when it comes to reducing COVID-19 spread.
New Model Shows Reducing Jail Population will Lower COVID-19 Death Toll for All of Us
Defying Medical Experts, Lawmakers are Weaponizing COVID-19 to Restrict Abortion Access
Some states are trying to use the COVID-19 pandemic to shut down abortion services. The ACLU and other advocates are pushing back.
Defying Medical Experts, Lawmakers are Weaponizing COVID-19 to Restrict Abortion Access
Apple and Google Announced a Coronavirus Tracking System. How Worried Should We Be?
A well-designed tool could offer public health benefit, but a poorly designed one could pose unnecessary and significant risks to privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.
Apple and Google Announced a Coronavirus Tracking System. How Worried Should We Be?
Asylum Seekers Stranded in Mexico Face a New Danger: COVID-19
For asylum seekers returned to Mexico, an uncertain and dangerous future now looms.
Asylum Seekers Stranded in Mexico Face a New Danger: COVID-19
Let’s Stop the Scapegoating During a Global Pandemic
Growing fear and misinformation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a rise in racist acts against Asian Americans.
Let’s Stop the Scapegoating During a Global Pandemic
What it's Like in ICE Detention During a Pandemic
On At Liberty, we hear from two men with underlying medical conditions who were recently released from ICE detention during the pandemic.
What it's Like in ICE Detention During a Pandemic
Isolation, Before and During a Pandemic
Many communities the ACLU works with were familiar with social isolation long before COVID-19 arrived. Here's what you can learn from them.
Isolation, Before and During a Pandemic
Civil Liberties Never Sleep: The ACLU in the Pandemic
The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has upended our daily lives in countless and unimaginable ways. But the need to defend our country’s most fundamental values — and our most vulnerable populations — cannot take a respite.
Civil Liberties Never Sleep: The ACLU in the Pandemic
If COVID-19 Doesn’t Discriminate, Then Why Are Black People Dying at Higher Rates?
To provide meaningful protection and support for all members of the community, a COVID-19 response must address the pervasive racial injustices at the federal, state, and local level.
If COVID-19 Doesn’t Discriminate, Then Why Are Black People Dying at Higher Rates?
Those “Free” Remote Learning Apps Have a High Cost: Your Student’s Privacy
To be true angels during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, tech companies providing free remote learning apps should disable features that spy on students and suck up their private, personal information.
Those “Free” Remote Learning Apps Have a High Cost: Your Student’s Privacy
Is Location Tracking Technology the Magic Pill to Stemming the Coronavirus?
Times of emergency require a different weighing of privacy considerations, but we should be closely scrutinizing any government attempts to exploit this crisis to grab additional surveillance powers.
Is Location Tracking Technology the Magic Pill to Stemming the Coronavirus?
Police are Enforcing Public Health Orders, but that Doesn't Make them Public Health Experts
Jailing people for failing to socially distance is only going to make things worse, not better.
Police are Enforcing Public Health Orders, but that Doesn't Make them Public Health Experts
Can We Trust the Government to Respond to the Coronavirus in a Fair and Effective Manner?
The ACLU will be watching closely to make sure the government's response is scientifically justified and no more intrusive on civil liberties than absolutely necessary.
Can We Trust the Government to Respond to the Coronavirus in a Fair and Effective Manner?
Keep Calm and Carry on Voting: How to Vote By Mail During the Coronavirus Outbreak
It’s easy to request an absentee ballot and there’s still enough time to do so for most states with upcoming primaries.
Keep Calm and Carry on Voting: How to Vote By Mail During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Are Our Prisons and Jails Ready for COVID-19?
People in prisons and jails are uniquely vulnerable to coronavirus. Officials must act quickly to pull together a plan to ensure the safety of incarcerated people, medical staff, and correctional officers.
Are Our Prisons and Jails Ready for COVID-19?
COVID-19 Doesn’t Discriminate — Neither Should Congress’ Response
Congress must fix its failure to include millions of people in testing and relief.
COVID-19 Doesn’t Discriminate — Neither Should Congress’ Response
Louisiana’s Suspension of Due Process Could Be a COVID-19 Catastrophe in Jails and Prisons
Hurricane Katrina showed us that the consequences of suspending due process at a time of emergency could be disastrous.
Louisiana’s Suspension of Due Process Could Be a COVID-19 Catastrophe in Jails and Prisons
Police, Prosecutors, Sheriffs, Parole Officers, and Governors can Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19 — Here’s How
Public health experts have encouraged stakeholders in the criminal legal system to minimize the number of people entering the system in the first place, while also releasing individuals in prisons and jails most vulnerable to the virus.
Police, Prosecutors, Sheriffs, Parole Officers, and Governors can Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19 — Here’s How
“They Don’t Care if You Die”: Immigrants in ICE Detention Fear the Spread of COVID-19
As the ACLU and other advocates file suits seeking the release of those with medical conditions, public health experts say ICE detention is a “tinderbox” for infection.
“They Don’t Care if You Die”: Immigrants in ICE Detention Fear the Spread of COVID-19
We Know Prisons Need COVID-19 Plans, but our Arizona Prison Tour Suggests it’s not Happening
Arizona prisons have notoriously bad health care under normal circumstances. These are not normal circumstances.
We Know Prisons Need COVID-19 Plans, but our Arizona Prison Tour Suggests it’s not Happening
Living with COVID — in an Immigration Jail
Each of the 37,000 people currently detained by ICE are at severe risk of contracting COVID-19. We must immediately reduce the numbers of people in immigration detention, starting by releasing the most vulnerable to serious illness or death.
Living with COVID — in an Immigration Jail
Federal Wardens Must Immediately Flatten the Curve in our Nation's Prisons
350 incarcerated persons and almost 200 Bureau of Prison staff have COVID-19. The wardens overseeing America's 122 federal prisons have no time to spare.
Federal Wardens Must Immediately Flatten the Curve in our Nation's Prisons
This is No Time to Play Politics with our Democracy
Any legislation addressing the impact of COVID-19 on our elections must include immediate federal funding and requirements for no-excuse mail-in absentee voting and early in-person voting.
This is No Time to Play Politics with our DemocracyWhat 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