Vizguerra, who entered the country illegally from Mexico in 1997, sought sanctuary in a Denver church in 2017 and was subsequently named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People. In and out of sanctuary since then, she has remained an outspoken advocate of immigrants' rights while also raising a family and working; she spoke outside the Colorado State Capitol at the Day Without Immigrants rally on February 3.
Vizguerra was arrested outside of a local Target by ICE agents on Monday, March 17.
“Given the fact that Ms. Vizguerra-Ramirez was recently taken into ICE custody, it does not appear that there will be any prejudice to Respondents by maintaining the status quo pending resolution of this action, particularly given the expedited manner by which this action is proceeding,” said Judge Nina Wang in her ruling, adding that the reinstatement of an old removal order against Vizguerra was “procedurally flawed.”
“We are relieved and cautiously optimistic in the wake of this order,” says Jordan Garcia, program director for the American Friends Service Committee. “The order gives Jeanette’s lawyers and the government, if they choose to come to the table, time to resolve Jeanette’s case without imminent removal or transfer hanging over her. We will remain vigilant, and our human rights observers will continue to document any movement to remove Ms. Vizguerra."
The AFSC is organizing a rally calling for Vizguerra's release outside the GEO Group ICE facility in Aurora, where she is being held, at 6 p.m. Monday, March 24. In the meantime, there's plenty of discussion of her case on the Westword Facebook post with the story of her arrest. Says Warren:
This is so damn funny! Finally got what she deserves.Responds Stephanie:
Learn the difference between a judicial warrant and an administrative one. They are very different.Suggests Thomas:
America is going to be lost and lonely when Trump is done: no cheap labor workers, the best and brightest aren't coming and are leaving in droves. No allies left to fair trade with or get investment from because of broken trust, no respect in the world, creating future terrorists that will hate America for his cruelty to their loved ones and dismantling every government program that helps the poor while tanking the stock market and economy while literally shitting on the constitution and our founding fathers' vision. It's a gross mess that is unsustainable at best.Counters Joseph:
Deport her back. She broke laws. It's on her, not ICE or our government. It's on people coming here and breaking laws. She is a terrorist in my book. She came here illegally and committed a crime against American people. Stealing Social security cards — that's on her. She had every chance to do it right. But she chose to ignore our laws. So get rid of her and never let her back in. She blew her chance when she committed a crime. Put her in prison first for breaking laws, then deport. Sticking up for criminals? Sounds like a bunch of idiots who have their heads in the toilet.Adds Glenda:
It's individuals such as Jeanette Vizguerra, and certain politicians allowing this illegal activity, who've run others such as my husband and I who lived in Denver most of our lives outta there! We moved to another state seven months ago to get far away from what we now refer to as Den-zuela, and then there's that other city just east of there, Venzu-rora!Replies Elizabeth:
Glad you left. We need open minds and hearts, not fear and hate.Observes Christopher:
This comment section smells like Coors and unpaid alimony.Concludes Mendy:
Maybe the most accurate comment in all of Denver.What do you think of the Vizguerra case? Post a comment or share your thoughts at [email protected].
