UPDATE: Just 24 hours after her release from immigration detention, activist Jeanette Vizguerra rallied supporters outside a federal courthouse in Denver on Tuesday, urging detainees to “keep fighting” against the immigration crackdown. Her release comes after a lengthy legal battle that has drawn national attention to her case and the plight of immigrants facing deportation.
Vizguerra, detained for over nine months, celebrated her victory alongside supporters who have organized vigils at the Aurora detention center where she was held. “The victory belongs to everyone who contributed in different ways,” she declared, vowing to continue her fight against U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE).
The activist’s temporary release was made possible by a federal judge who ordered a bail hearing. On Sunday, an immigration judge granted her release on $5,000 bail, allowing her to remain free while her lawyers contest ICE’s attempts to deport her. Vizguerra’s next check-in with ICE is scheduled for January 2024.
During her emotional return, Vizguerra expressed her desire to reconnect with her children and community. “I will keep struggling. The struggle goes on,” she emphasized. Her words resonated deeply as supporters chanted “Free them all!” and “Yes we can” in Spanish, creating a powerful atmosphere of solidarity.
Despite her release, Vizguerra’s situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants without legal status. She highlighted that many detainees lack legal representation and resources to fight their cases. “Their cases are not much different than mine,” she stated. “This administration is seeking to trap and detain and deport every single one of us.”
Vizguerra’s high-profile case, which gained momentum during former President Donald Trump’s administration, has spotlighted the aggressive immigration policies of recent years. Following her arrest in March 2023, she was celebrated by ICE officials on social media, indicating her status as a target in the crackdown.
Supporters welcomed Vizguerra with tears and chants, celebrating her return as a beacon of hope for those still in detention. She documented numerous cases of individuals arrested by ICE without warrants, stressing that her fight extends beyond her personal struggle.
As she prepares for her legal battles ahead, Vizguerra remains committed to advocating for those still facing detention. “If there’s something different about my case, it’s just that people don’t have the resources,” she noted, emphasizing the systemic issues at play within the immigration detention system.
The urgency of her message is clear: as immigration policies continue to evolve, the fight for justice and freedom remains critical. Vizguerra’s call to action resonates not just with her supporters, but with all who believe in the power of unity against oppression.
Stay connected for further updates on this developing story.
