UPDATE: Just 24 hours after her release from immigration detention, activist Jeanette Vizguerra delivered a powerful message to supporters in downtown Denver on Tuesday: “Don’t give up. Keep fighting.” This urgent call comes amidst ongoing threats of deportation that still loom over her as she strives for justice.
Vizguerra’s release marks a significant victory after a prolonged battle against U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE). Detained since March 2023, her situation has drawn national attention, highlighting the harsh realities of immigration enforcement under the previous administration. A federal judge intervened last week, leading to a bail hearing where Vizguerra was granted freedom on $5,000 bail.
“This victory belongs to everyone who supported me,” Vizguerra told her supporters through a Spanish translator, as the crowd erupted in chants of “Free them all!” and “Yes, we can.” The emotional scene included tears, long hugs, and heartfelt expressions of gratitude from her community.
For months, advocates organized vigils outside the Aurora detention center where Vizguerra was held. She expressed deep gratitude for the support she received, emphasizing that her release “represents a new stage in my life.” She documented numerous cases of individuals arrested by ICE without warrants during her detention, calling out to those still suffering behind bars: “Keep fighting.”
Vizguerra, originally from Mexico and a U.S. resident for nearly 28 years, faces ongoing legal challenges. Her attorneys are contesting ICE’s attempts to deport her while she remains out of custody. A check-in appointment with ICE is scheduled for January 2024, and she was released without any monitoring devices.
The immigrant-rights activist rose to national prominence during the Trump administration, previously seeking sanctuary in a church and being recognized as one of TIME Magazine’s most influential people in 2017. Her recent detention sparked widespread protests and calls for policy change, as federal officials celebrated her arrest on social media.
Vizguerra’s case is emblematic of the challenges faced by many immigrants. Despite having a strong legal team, she spent over nine months in detention, a stark reminder of the difficulties many undocumented individuals encounter. “Their cases are not much different than mine,” she stated, emphasizing the need for unity in opposing immigration arrests and deportations.
As she begins this new chapter, Vizguerra vows to advocate for those still detained, focusing on the conditions within the Aurora facility. “They treat people like products,” she declared, underscoring the urgent need for reform in the immigration system.
This developing story highlights not only the personal triumph of Jeanette Vizguerra but also the ongoing struggle against immigration injustices faced by countless others. Her courageous stand serves as a rallying cry for activists and supporters alike, igniting a renewed commitment to the fight for immigrant rights.
Stay tuned for further updates on this critical issue, as the fight for justice continues.
