On the eve of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, there is no denying the imminent threats to our democracy, rights, and freedoms.
But we’ve been here before. While the challenges are daunting, the ACLU has proved to be ready, well-positioned, and resilient enough to face whatever lies ahead. Alongside our many partners, volunteers, activists, and other advocates committed to protecting the civil liberties and civil rights of every person in our richly diverse state, we are poised to act the moment President-elect Trump attempts to implement the draconian policies he’s promised to deliver.
We will urge state government leaders to deny the federal government access to Michigan’s law enforcement agencies and other state-held resources for purposes of immigrant detention and deportation.
We will fight alongside communities most at risk and resist the further fracturing of efforts to foster a truly multicultural democracy.
We will ensure that Trump’s efforts to silence dissenters — and the journalists who report on that dissent — will not go unanswered. And we will urge our state and local elected leaders to forcefully and frequently speak out in defense of freedom of speech, the right to organize and protest, and the validity of political opposition.
We know this fight won’t be easy. But Michiganders have repeatedly shown what it is possible to achieve in the face of rollbacks of reproductive rights, voting rights, and LGBTQ+ rights at a national level. Together, we:
- Passed two ballot initiatives expanding voting rights;
- Enshrined reproductive freedom for all into the state constitution; and
- Passed laws expanding our state civil rights act to protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination.
These successes are a testament to the resilience of Michiganders, who understand that civil liberties are not just abstract concepts – they are the bedrock of an inclusive, multicultural democracy in which everyone lives with dignity. There are serious battles ahead, but our successes in the face of challenges are a stark reminder that we have great power to wield in the fight.
The ACLU will confront a second Trump presidency with every ounce of its formidable skills, strategic prowess, and people power. As well as our hundreds of legal and policy experts, field organizers, and public education strategists, the ACLU will activate our 6.5 million supporters in every state and territory.
Whether it’s fighting efforts at mass deportation that target our family members, neighbors, and co-workers, or defending reproductive freedom for all, protecting our First Amendment right to speak out against government action, or guarding the rights of our LGBTQ+ Michiganders, the ACLU will be unwavering. Most importantly, we cannot do this without you. Our mission is deeply connected to your involvement, your passion, and your commitment to ensuring that every person has the right to live in dignity and freedom.
Please join us January 23, at 7pm for a virtual townhall, Taking on Trump: The First 100 Days. Hope to see you there.