Jeanette Vizguerra, a prominent figure in the fight for immigrant rights, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Monday. The arrest took place in the parking lot of the Target store where she worked in Colorado. Vizguerra, known for her tireless advocacy for undocumented immigrants, faces deportation due to past misdemeanors. However, her situation has sparked significant controversy and debate over immigration policies in the United States.
Vizguerra's arrest has drawn national attention due to her status as one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in 2017. With deep roots in the Colorado community, she has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration's immigration policies. Her detention has raised questions about the severity of ICE's actions, especially given her minor criminal record and substantial contributions to the community.
A Legacy of Advocacy
Jeanette Vizguerra has dedicated much of her life to advocating for the rights of undocumented immigrants. She has been associated with groups such as Colorado’s Rights for All People and the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition. In addition, she founded the Colorado branch of Dreamer's Mothers in Action, an organization focused on supporting undocumented families.
Her advocacy work has not gone unnoticed. Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, emphasized her importance in the community:
"She is a well-respected advocate in Colorado and nationwide."
Despite her significant contributions, Vizguerra's past misdemeanors have put her at risk of deportation. In 2009, she was convicted for using a forged Social Security number to find work. In 2013, she faced another misdemeanor after briefly returning to Mexico to visit her dying mother.
Community Support and Controversy
Vizguerra's long-standing ties to Colorado have earned her widespread support from community members and leaders. Governor Jared Polis highlighted her dedication and questioned the justification for her deportation:
"Jeanette is a mother and grandmother, has spent decades in our country, helping the community, has a job, has no history of violence, is not a threat to the community, and above all else, deserves due process pursuant to the law."
Her daughter, Luna Baez, called on their community to rally around Vizguerra during this challenging time:
"My mom has fought relentlessly for her community and it is time for all of us to now come together and show all the support for her like she has done to us."
The controversy surrounding her detention is amplified by ICE's citation of her past convictions as justification for deportation. This decision comes despite her temporary stay of deportation granted in May 2017.
Broader Implications
The Trump administration's rollback of enforcement protections and invocation of an 18th-century law highlight broader implications for undocumented immigrants in the United States. Critics argue that such actions are politically motivated and aimed at silencing dissent.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston compared Vizguerra's treatment to authoritarian tactics:
"This is Putin-style persecution of political dissidents."
Moreover, lawyer Laura Lichter questioned ICE's legal standing in Vizguerra's case:
"No lawful removal order exists, and ICE would have known this for years. If ICE proceeds with trying to remove her without legal authority, it sends a chilling message about the agency’s disregard for due process and the rule of law."
