Immigration activist Jeanette Vizguerra detained by ICE agents
- Jeanette Vizguerra, a prominent immigration activist, was arrested outside her workplace by ICE agents yesterday.
- She has been living in the U.S. without proper documentation since 1997 and has created networks of sanctuary spaces for migrants.
- The arrest has sparked protests and calls for her release from community members and local politicians.
In the United States, immigration activist Jeanette Vizguerra was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents outside her workplace on March 17, 2025. Vizguerra, a well-known figure in Denver’s immigrant rights community, has spent over two decades advocating for immigrant rights and has previously lived in a church to avoid deportation. Known for creating sanctuary spaces for migrants, she has been a vocal critic of stringent immigration policies and has been under threat of deportation since 2009 due to a traffic violation incident. Family members reported that Vizguerra was arrested in the parking lot of a Target store, where ICE agents allegedly laughed during the arrest. Campaigners have expressed concern that this incident is a targeted action against her given her history of activism and vocal opposition to the current U.S. administration’s immigration policies. Friends, family, and supporters highlighted her significant contributions to the immigrant community, causing a ripple of protests and calls for her immediate release, which they argue infringes upon her rights. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper from Colorado publicly criticized ICE's actions, raising questions about the legality and due process of Vizguerra's detention. They called for her release, emphasizing her importance as a mother and community leader. As activists rally behind her, there are heightened fears about the potential moves to detain her out of state, further complicating any efforts to secure her release. This incident has ignited discussions about the broader implications of immigration enforcement and the treatment of individuals who have dedicated themselves to advocating for others who face similar challenges. This comes amidst continued criticism of the Trump administration's immigration policies, which have seen an increase in enforcement actions against long-term U.S. residents without legal status. Vizguerra's case has become emblematic of the struggle faced by many activists and those living in vulnerable situations under the current immigration system.