DENVER (AP) — A harrowing chapter unfolded on March 17, 2025, as Jeanette Vizguerra, a prominent immigrant rights activist, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during her lunch break at a Target store in Denver. Vizguerra, who has been a vocal advocate for immigrant rights and gained considerable attention for her prior acts of defiance against deportation, was arrested amidst rising tensions surrounding the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Since her arrival in the U.S. from Mexico City in 1997, Vizguerra has become a symbol of resilience for many immigrant communities. She became well-known for taking sanctuary in churches to evade deportation during Trump's first term. But despite her activism and efforts to secure legal status, she found herself detained once again, prompting a strong response from supporters and local officials.
“My mom has fought relentlessly for her community, and it’s time for all of us to come together and show support for her,” one of her daughters stated through a GoFundMe campaign, which quickly gained traction and raised nearly $30,000 in a matter of hours to aid in her legal expenses and family needs.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston labeled the arrest a “plain abuse of power,” asserting that it represented a political vendetta against Vizguerra for her activism. He didn’t mince words, describing the situation as “Putin-style persecution of political dissidents” in a statement that echoed the sentiments of many advocates and fellow politicians who rallied around Vizguerra.
Vizguerra's legal challenges have spanned years, starting back in 2009 after her encounter with law enforcement that exposed her use of fraudulent documentation. Although she had initially found refuge in churches, her respite was cut short when her stay of deportation was not renewed, forcing her back into sanctuary multiple times.
“This is not immigration enforcement intended to keep our country safe,” Johnston's statement continued, as he called for her immediate release. “This is about political theater and retribution.” Voters in Colorado and advocates across the nation have expressed growing concern over the administration's treatment of activists and immigrants alike.
Despite the gravity of the situation, there was a glimmer of hope as advocates filed a writ of habeas corpus in U.S. District Court demanding that Vizguerra be brought to court for a hearing regarding her detention.
“She was clearly targeted for arrest and detention,” Laura Lichter, one of Vizguerra's attorneys, asserted. The legal team contends that the government failed to uphold due process in Vizguerra’s case, particularly as federal officials lacked a valid deportation order.
Additional statements from family members echoed concerns about Vizguerra being detained unjustly, with one of her daughters noting, “We believe she is being targeted as a result of her activism.” This sentiment resonated with many supporters who filled the formerly quiet streets outside the Aurora Immigration Detention Center.
“I think the government of our country is targeting our mom in violation of her rights and due process, for her bravery and courage, for her leadership and skill, for her speech,” he added. Activists contended that the arrest and subsequent detention of Vizguerra not only violate her rights but also set a dangerous precedent for others in the immigrant community.
Vizguerra has continuously been a strong advocate for immigrant rights and has participated in protests, organizing efforts, and community support initiatives, often highlighting the fears that many immigrants face due to potential deportation.
The rising tide of uncertainty and fear surrounding immigration enforcement has left many in the community feeling vulnerable and anxious, with people expressing deep concern that if someone as prominent and respected as Vizguerra can be taken under such circumstances, it could happen to anyone.
The Colorado congressional delegation responded swiftly. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, alongside Representatives Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen, all condemned the detention. They released joint statements characterizing Vizguerra’s arrest as a “shredding of the Constitution” and an example of the Trump administration's disregard for the law. They demanded transparency and accountability from ICE, asserting that Detention without due process is antithetical to American democratic values.
In the wake of Vizguerra's detainment, support has poured in from citizens across the state — a testament to her community standing. Rallies have sprung up in her name, and advocates are mobilizing to fight against her removal. As Golden, a local activist, passionately expressed, "ICE's attempt to deport Jeanette is an attack not just on her, but on every immigrant who has stood up to fight for dignity and justice." This sentiment has been echoed widely among immigrant rights activists.
As news of her detention continues to unfold, Vizguerra's fate hangs precariously in the balance. While the community rallies to support her cause, the legal battle is far from over. Critics of the Trump administration's immigration tactics have called for immediate action to halt her deportation and restore the rights she has tirelessly championed.
While Jeanette Vizguerra has become a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity, her detention raises important questions about the future of immigration policy in America and what it means for those who continue to advocate for change against a backdrop of increasing uncertainty.
The saga of Jeanette Vizguerra's fight for justice is more than just a personal story—it is a reflection of a larger struggle faced by countless immigrants who seek safety, dignity, and recognition of their rights within an often hostile political landscape.
