DENVER (AP) — A prominent Colorado immigration and labor activist, Jeanette Vizguerra, was released Monday after spending nine months in immigration detention. This development came after a judge ruled she could post a $5,000 bond, as confirmed by the American Friends Service Committee, who has been supporting Vizguerra’s legal team and family.
Upon her release, Vizguerra was welcomed by her daughter, son-in-law, and grandson just outside the Aurora detention center where her ordeal took place.
Viguerra rose to prominence during the Trump administration after seeking refuge in churches to evade deportation. In 2017, Time magazine recognized her as one of the most influential people in the world for her activism. Earlier this year, she was arrested in the parking lot of Target, where she worked, which set off a renewed campaign advocating for her release.
Following her release, the Department of Homeland Security stated that Vizguerra had received full due process and reaffirmed its commitment to enforce immigration laws, mentioning that they would apprehend illegal immigrants irrespective of their public status or prominence.
Vizguerra, who emigrated from Mexico City to Colorado in 1997, has faced deportation attempts since 2009 when she was found with a fraudulent Social Security card during a traffic stop. Her case has highlighted ongoing debates over immigration rights and the broader implications of deportation actions.
Thanks to the efforts of her legal team, which has largely worked pro bono, a federal judge ordered an immigration bond hearing determining whether Vizguerra should remain in detention. She expressed her gratitude, stating, 'This fight is about the constitutional rights we all share, human rights, and dignity for all people.'
Upon her release, Vizguerra was welcomed by her daughter, son-in-law, and grandson just outside the Aurora detention center where her ordeal took place.
Viguerra rose to prominence during the Trump administration after seeking refuge in churches to evade deportation. In 2017, Time magazine recognized her as one of the most influential people in the world for her activism. Earlier this year, she was arrested in the parking lot of Target, where she worked, which set off a renewed campaign advocating for her release.
Following her release, the Department of Homeland Security stated that Vizguerra had received full due process and reaffirmed its commitment to enforce immigration laws, mentioning that they would apprehend illegal immigrants irrespective of their public status or prominence.
Vizguerra, who emigrated from Mexico City to Colorado in 1997, has faced deportation attempts since 2009 when she was found with a fraudulent Social Security card during a traffic stop. Her case has highlighted ongoing debates over immigration rights and the broader implications of deportation actions.
Thanks to the efforts of her legal team, which has largely worked pro bono, a federal judge ordered an immigration bond hearing determining whether Vizguerra should remain in detention. She expressed her gratitude, stating, 'This fight is about the constitutional rights we all share, human rights, and dignity for all people.'
