UPDATE: Just 24 hours after her release from an ICE facility, activist Jeanette Vizguerra stood defiantly on the steps of a federal courthouse in Denver on Tuesday, urging detainees to “Don’t give up. Keep fighting.” Her release, a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle against immigration enforcement, was made possible by a federal judge’s intervention in her case last week.
In a powerful statement to supporters, Vizguerra emphasized that her fight is far from over. “The victory belongs to everyone,” she declared, reflecting on the widespread support that helped secure her temporary freedom. A federal immigration judge granted her release on $5,000 bail after a lengthy legal battle waged by pro bono attorneys, underscoring the challenges many face in the immigration system.
Supporters gathered to welcome her back with tears, hugs, and chants of “Free them all!” as Vizguerra called for unity against immigration arrests and deportations. “Those nine months in detention were not lost days,” she stated, highlighting her commitment to documenting abuses within the system faced by countless detainees.
Vizguerra, originally from Mexico, has become a prominent figure in the fight for immigrant rights, particularly during President Trump’s administration. She was previously detained in March 2023, becoming one of Colorado’s most notable cases amidst a nationwide crackdown on undocumented immigrants.
Her release follows a tumultuous period marked by a resurgence in ICE operations. “I want to tell the people who are still in detention: Don’t give up. Keep fighting,” Vizguerra urged, emphasizing the plight of those still facing deportation. Despite her current freedom, she remains in the U.S. without legal status and is set for a check-in appointment with ICE in January.
The legal battle to secure her release highlights the stark realities for many immigrants. While Vizguerra had a legal team advocating for her, most detainees do not have access to legal representation, making the fight against deportation even more daunting. Her case has drawn national attention, with federal officials even attempting to block media access to her bail hearing.
As Vizguerra reconnects with her community and family, she vows to continue advocating for those still in detention and to investigate the conditions at the Aurora facility where she was held. “This administration is seeking to trap and detain and deport every single one of us,” she warned, calling for increased awareness and action among her supporters.
The urgency of her message resonates as she prepares to return to her advocacy work. The struggle for immigrant rights continues, and Vizguerra’s release serves as a reminder of both the victories and challenges that lie ahead for many undocumented individuals across the country.
Stay tuned for further updates on Vizguerra’s advocacy efforts and the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants in the U.S.
