URGENT UPDATE: Just 24 hours after her release from an ICE facility, activist Jeanette Vizguerra addressed supporters in Denver, urging detained immigrants to “keep fighting” against deportation. This pivotal moment comes as she continues to battle the system that threatens her freedom following her detainment in March as part of a broader crackdown on immigrants under the Trump administration.
Standing on the steps of the federal courthouse on Tuesday, Vizguerra declared, “The victory belongs to everyone.” Her release, made possible after a federal judge intervened last week, follows a protracted legal struggle led by her dedicated team of immigration attorneys. They successfully secured a bail hearing, resulting in her release on a $5,000 bail on Sunday.
Vizguerra’s supporters, who have held vigils outside the Aurora detention center for months, welcomed her with emotional embraces, chants, and a brass horn. “Free them all!” they shouted, demonstrating solidarity in the face of ongoing immigration arrests. Vizguerra’s message was clear: “Don’t give up. Keep fighting.”
Having spent nearly nine months in detention, Vizguerra, originally from Mexico, shared her intent to reconnect with her family and community. “Those nine months were not lost,” she stated, emphasizing her documentation of numerous ICE arrests in Colorado. Her release marks a new chapter, yet she remains fully aware of the struggles facing many still detained.
Vizguerra’s case has received national attention, especially during the Trump administration, where she became a symbol of resistance after sheltering in a church and being listed among TIME Magazine’s most influential people in 2017. Her previous detentions highlight the precarious situation many immigrants face. As the Trump administration reinstated her removal order upon returning to office, ICE officials celebrated her arrest on social media, marking her as a target.
Despite her release, Vizguerra’s battle is far from over. She is scheduled for a check-in appointment with ICE in January and will continue to contest the government’s attempts to deport her. Notably, her release came without monitoring devices, showcasing a slight shift in her treatment compared to many immigrant detainees.
As she prepares to advocate for those still in detention, Vizguerra highlighted the unjust conditions of facilities like Aurora, asserting that they treat individuals “like products.” She pointed out that many detainees lack legal representation, making it challenging for them to contest their detentions effectively.
“This administration is seeking to trap, detain, and deport every single one of us,” Vizguerra warned, underscoring the urgency of the immigrant rights movement. Her story resonates as a call to action for many who feel the weight of similar struggles.
As this situation develops, all eyes will be on Vizguerra and her team as they navigate the legal complexities ahead. Her resilience serves as an inspiration to many, and her fight is a poignant reminder of the ongoing battle for immigrant rights in the United States.
Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding story and the impact it continues to have on the immigrant community.
