A federal judge has mandated that immigration authorities must provide a bail hearing for detained activist Jeanette Vizguerra within the next week. This ruling, issued on Wednesday in Denver, offers a potential pathway for temporary release for Vizguerra, who has been in federal immigration detention for nine months.
Vizguerra, an immigrant without proper legal status, was arrested in March 2023 as part of efforts by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain and deport her. The decision by U.S. District Court Judge Nina Wang requires that immigration authorities allow Vizguerra to seek a temporary release before an immigration judge at the detention center in Aurora by Christmas Eve.
Significance of the Ruling
The bail hearing is currently scheduled for Friday morning, according to her attorney, Laura Lichter. If the court grants bail, Vizguerra would be released from detention while her immigration case continues through the judicial system. Judge Wang noted that it could take “many months or even years” for her case to be fully resolved, as she is contesting her deportation in both federal and immigration courts.
Born in Mexico, Vizguerra has lived in the United States for over 30 years and has a history of combatting attempts to deport her. In 2011, she accepted a voluntary departure but became a prominent figure in the immigration activism community. During the first term of the Trump administration, she sought refuge in a Denver church and was recognized by TIME magazine as one of the most influential people of 2017. After leaving the church’s sanctuary, she received temporary reprieves from ICE.
Allegations of Targeted Detention
Despite her activism, Vizguerra was arrested in March 2023, a move her attorneys argue was a deliberate attempt by authorities to detain her due to her advocacy, which they claim is protected under the First Amendment. ICE celebrated her detention on social media, and it has been reported that one agent stated, “We finally got you.”
In her ruling, Judge Wang acknowledged the serious due process concerns raised by Vizguerra’s allegations of being specifically targeted for her speech and activism. This order not only emphasizes the potential for her temporary release but also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants in the U.S. legal system.
As the situation unfolds, Vizguerra’s case continues to draw attention to the broader issues surrounding immigration enforcement and the rights of activists within the United States.
