Jeanette Vizguerra Detained by ICE: A Community’s Outcry

Jeanette Vizguerra, a 53-year-old Mexican immigrant and prominent immigration advocate in Colorado, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on Monday, March 17, 2025. The arrest occurred outside a Target store in the Denver area, where Vizguerra worked as a cashier. (theguardian.com)

Background

Vizguerra entered the United States unlawfully over two decades ago. She has been a steadfast advocate for immigrant rights, labor protections, and family unity. In 2017, she gained national attention when she sought sanctuary in a Denver church to avoid deportation during the first Trump administration. That same year, Time magazine recognized her as one of the 100 most influential people. (theguardian.com)

Legal History

In 2009, Vizguerra faced charges for driving without a license or insurance and for having an expired license plate. These charges were dismissed. She also pleaded guilty to "attempted possession of a forged instrument" after using a false Social Security number on a job application. This conviction led to heightened scrutiny from immigration authorities, resulting in multiple deportation orders over the years. (theguardian.com)

Community Response

The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition has called for Vizguerra’s immediate release, describing her as "a beloved mother, grandmother, and longtime community leader." They argue that her detention is causing "irreparable harm to her family and community." (theguardian.com)

Political Leaders’ Reactions

• Governor Jared Polis: The Democratic governor emphasized that Vizguerra "deserves due process" and urged ICE to focus on violent offenders. (theguardian.com)

• Denver Mayor Mike Johnston: He criticized the arrest, stating it was "not about safety" but rather "Putin-style persecution of political dissidents." (theguardian.com)

• Senator Michael Bennet: He expressed deep concern over the detention without due process and called for Vizguerra’s immediate release. (theguardian.com)

• Senator John Hickenlooper: He stated that targeting a mother who has been an active part of the Colorado community for nearly three decades will not fix the broken immigration system. (theguardian.com)

Public Support

Following the arrest, dozens of supporters gathered outside the ICE detention center in Aurora, Colorado, demanding Vizguerra’s release. A GoFundMe campaign initiated by her daughter, Luna Baez, has raised over $50,000 as of Wednesday morning. Baez described her mother as "the rock of our family at all times" and a "great fighting warrior." (theguardian.com)

Legal Actions

Vizguerra’s legal team filed a writ of habeas corpus, urging ICE to bring her before the court to determine the lawfulness of her detention. They argue that her arrest was unlawful and that she is being targeted for her community organizing and critiques of the deportation system. (theguardian.com)

Broader Implications

Vizguerra’s detention has sparked a broader debate about immigration enforcement practices and the treatment of undocumented individuals in the United States. Her case highlights the challenges faced by immigrant communities and the ongoing discussions about immigration reform.

Community and Political Leaders React to Jeanette Vizguerra’s Detention:

• Woman who had sought protection from deportation in Colorado churches is detained, advocates say
• Gov. Polis still wants ICE cooperation but urges transparency

What ‍is the role of ICE in the detention of immigrants?