Jeanette Vizguerra Detained by ICE, Community Demands Justice

• Jeanette Vizguerra arrested in Colorado.
• Family denounces rights violation.
• Community demands her immediate release.

Jeanette Vizguerra, a renowned immigrant rights activist, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Aurora, Colorado.

According to CNN, the arrest took place Monday night outside the Target store where she worked as a cashier, during a work break.

Vizguerra, a key figure in the fight for immigration reform in the United States, was transferred to a detention center in the same city, confirmed by her lawyer, Laura Lichter.

The news has sparked outrage among relatives, friends, and immigrant advocacy organizations.

Outcry and Community Support Following Jeanette Vizguerra’s Detention

The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) denounced her arrest and described the detention as a violation of her fundamental rights.

«The detention of Jeanette Vizguerra is an injustice and a blow to the immigrant community,» the organization stated in a press release.

Luna Báez, Vizguerra’s daughter, launched a GoFundMe campaign stating that ICE agents mocked her mother during the arrest.

«My mother has tirelessly fought for her community, and now it’s time for us all to come together to support her as she has done for us,» Báez stated.

Since her detention, family members have lost direct communication with Jeanette Vizguerra, which has caused even greater concern.

Judith Márquez, a close friend of the activist, told CNN that Vizguerra managed to make a call to one of her children after being arrested, but since then, they have had no further news of her.

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Vizguerra’s lawyers filed a habeas corpus petition in federal court arguing that the detention was illegal and violated due process rights.

Since her arrival in the United States in 1997, Vizguerra has been a significant figure in the immigration struggle.

Her story gained national prominence in 2017 when she took refuge in a Denver church to avoid deportation during Donald Trump’s administration.

That same year, Time magazine included her in its list of the «100 Most Influential People in the World.»

Jeanette Vizguerra’s case has been under the scrutiny of immigration authorities for years.

In 2009, she was ordered deported after a traffic violation but filed several appeals.

In 2013, she returned to the United States after traveling to Mexico for her mother’s funeral and was detained at the border.

Two months later, she pleaded guilty to unauthorized entry into the country, which led to an ordered deportation, although it was postponed until 2017.

In 2019, her new request to cancel her deportation was denied, but she managed to obtain temporary protection through the intervention of Colorado congressmen.

This protection expired in 2020, leaving Jeanette Vizguerra in a vulnerable immigration status.

Community organizations have spoken out against her arrest, calling it an arbitrary action and retaliation against her activism.

Denver’s mayor, Mike Johnston, described the detention as «political persecution disguised as law enforcement.»

«This is not about enforcing immigration law, but about political persecution,» Johnston stated in a video posted on Facebook.

Colorado Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennett have also expressed their support for the activist and are working to stop her deportation.

Meanwhile, the community has responded with demonstrations demanding her release.

This Tuesday, dozens of people protested outside the GEO detention center in Aurora, demanding justice for Jeanette Vizguerra.

Some buses left the center in the morning, leading to speculation about a possible deportation, but it was later confirmed that the activist remains detained.

«Even places considered safe, like hospitals, schools, or churches, do not guarantee protection from the actions of immigration authorities,» Vizguerra had previously warned in statements to KCNC, a CNN affiliate.

Jeanette Vizguerra’s family and allies have intensified efforts to raise awareness of her case and seek legal and financial support.

The GoFundMe campaign aims to raise funds to cover legal and family costs resulting from the detention.

In her message, Luna Báez emphasized her mother’s dedication to the community and asked for support to continue the fight.

«My mother has always been there for others, now it’s our turn to be there for her,» Báez wrote.

The uncertainty about Jeanette Vizguerra’s future continues to grow as her legal team explores all options to avoid her deportation.

The case is still developing, and the community remains alert for any updates on her situation.

SOURCE: EFE / INFOBAE

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