Jeanette Vizguerra, a prominent immigration advocate in Colorado, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents this week. She has been living in the U.S. for nearly 30 years after fleeing violence in Mexico City. Her arrest occurred outside her workplace at a Target store in Aurora on Monday evening.
Vizguerra gained attention for seeking sanctuary in a Denver church during the Trump administration to avoid deportation. She has faced deportation attempts for years, but her recent detention has sparked outrage among immigrant rights groups and local leaders. Organizations like the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and Coloradans For Immigrant Rights expressed concern over her sudden arrest, claiming that ICE acted without a valid deportation order.
Her family reported that she confirmed her detention status during a phone call. Vizguerra has been convicted of two misdemeanors: one in 2009 for possessing a fake Social Security card and another in 2013 for illegal entry after returning from her mother’s funeral in Mexico. Despite these convictions, local officials emphasize that she poses no threat to the community. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston publicly criticized the arrest, calling it a form of political persecution.
Governor Jared Polis also defended Vizguerra, stating she has no history of violence and deserves due process. He urged ICE to focus on violent offenders rather than individuals like Vizguerra, who contribute positively to society. The debate over her detention highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and the treatment of undocumented immigrants in the U.S.