UPDATE: Just 24 hours after her release from immigration detention, activist Jeanette Vizguerra delivered a powerful message on the steps of a federal courthouse in Denver on Tuesday, urging detainees: “Don’t give up. Keep fighting.” Her release follows a prolonged legal battle, capturing national attention as she became one of Colorado’s most prominent figures amid the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
Vizguerra’s release on $5,000 bail was secured after a federal judge intervened last week, allowing her to challenge the deportation order issued against her. “The victory belongs to everyone,” she declared, emphasizing the collective effort that helped secure her freedom.
Supporters welcomed Vizguerra with emotional celebrations, chanting “Free them all!” and “Yes we can” as she encouraged unity against immigration arrests. “This represents a new stage in my life,” she stated, reflecting on her nine months of detention and the numerous cases she documented of others arrested by ICE without warrants.
Originally detained in March 2023, Vizguerra has fought to regain her freedom while continuing to advocate for others facing similar struggles. Her legal team, comprised of prominent immigration attorneys, worked pro bono to challenge her detention and eventually succeeded in securing a bail hearing.
Despite her release, the fight is far from over. Vizguerra remains without legal status and will face a check-in appointment with ICE in January 2024. She was released without any tracking devices, a rare circumstance in such cases. “Those nine months were not lost,” she asserted, urging her fellow detainees to remain resilient.
Her case has spotlighted the broader challenges faced by immigrants lacking legal representation. Many detainees, unlike Vizguerra, do not have access to legal resources and are often forced to accept deportation as a means of escaping prolonged detention.
Authorities have previously targeted Vizguerra, celebrating her arrest on social media. This latest release follows her national prominence during previous administrations, including being featured in TIME Magazine as one of 2017’s most influential people.
While her release marks a significant victory for her family and supporters, it underscores the ongoing struggles many immigrants face against ICE enforcement. Vizguerra’s commitment to advocating for those still detained will continue as she investigates the treatment within detention facilities.
As this situation develops, the immigrant rights community rallies in support of those still fighting their battles. Stay tuned for more updates on Vizguerra’s journey and the ongoing fight against immigration enforcement.
