How Trump finally nailed illegal immigrant activist Jeanette Vizguerra
The recent arrest of immigration activist Jeanette Vizguerra by ICE has sparked controversy and debate surrounding immigration enforcement in the US. Vizguerra, a Mexican mother of four, gained notoriety for evading federal agents for years by seeking sanctuary in churches.
After a long pursuit, ICE finally apprehended Vizguerra in the parking lot of a Target store where she worked. Former Denver ICE chief John Fabbricatore, who had been trying to arrest Vizguerra for 15 years, described her as a “horrible and smug” criminal who led the “abolish ICE movement” in Colorado.
Vizguerra’s immigration saga dates back to 1997 when she crossed the Texas border illegally. Over the years, she faced multiple encounters with ICE, including being caught with a fake Social Security card and driving without a license and insurance. Despite receiving deportation orders, Vizguerra managed to stay in the US through various legal maneuvers.
During the Obama administration, Vizguerra was granted temporary reprieves, but when Trump took office, her removal order was reinstated. She then sought sanctuary in a Denver church with her children, who were born in the US. Despite being given opportunities to leave the country voluntarily, Vizguerra continued to defy orders and evade deportation.
In response to her latest arrest, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston criticized the Trump administration for what he called “Putin-style persecution of political dissidents.” Vizguerra’s attorneys argue that ICE is attempting to deport her based on an outdated and illegitimate order from her 2009 arrest.
The case of Jeanette Vizguerra highlights the complexities and controversies surrounding immigration enforcement in the US. As she awaits deportation in an ICE detention center, the debate over her fate and the broader immigration policy continues to unfold.
