DENVER (AP) – Jeanette Vizguerra, a notable immigration and labor activist in Colorado, has been released from an immigration detention facility after spending nine months in custody. A federal judge previously ruled that she could post a $5,000 bond, leading to her release on Monday, according to the American Friends Service Committee.
Vizguerra, who left the detention center in suburban Denver, expressed her gratitude towards her lawyers and supporters. She remarked, “They understand that this case is bigger than me. This fight is about the constitutional rights we all share, human rights, and dignity for all people.”
In 2017, Vizguerra gained international attention when Time magazine recognized her as one of the world's most influential people after she sought refuge from potential deportation in various churches across Colorado. Her activism has focused on the plight of immigrants, particularly vulnerable populations facing deportation due to legal discrepancies.
Vizguerra has a complex immigration history, having initially arrived in Colorado from Mexico City in 1997. She has been struggling against deportation since 2009 after a traffic stop led to the discovery of a fraudulent Social Security card that she did not realize was invalid. A lawsuit was launched against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), further complicating her situation.
Despite her release, the fight against her deportation is ongoing, and a bond hearing has been ordered to determine if she should continue to be held as her case proceeds. The Department of Homeland Security has stated that Vizguerra received thorough legal process during her detention.
As her case remains closely watched within activist circles, her release signifies both a personal victory and a broader call for systemic change in immigration policies and procedures affecting countless individuals.
