ICE Arrests Radical Deportation Dodger

Jeanette Vizguerra’s detention by ICE reignites the heated debate over sanctuary cities and federal immigration laws.

Key Takeaways

Jeanette Vizguerra, a well-known immigration rights activist, was detained in Denver, Colorado by ICE.
Her detention has sparked protests and criticism from public officials and community leaders on the left.
ICE defends the detention as lawful, citing her status as a “convicted criminal alien.”
Vizguerra’s arrest highlights the ongoing conflict between federal immigration enforcement and sanctuary city policies.
Legal challenges have been filed contesting the validity of her deportation order.

The Arrest of Jeanette Vizguerra

Jeanette Vizguerra, a radical immigration rights activist, was finally detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Denver, Colorado, on March 18, 2025. She was taken to the GEO Aurora ICE Processing Center. This event has reignited the contentious debate over sanctuary city policies clashing with federal immigration laws. Vizguerra has been a symbol of resistance for the radical left, having previously sought refuge in churches and exploited sanctuary laws to evade deportation.

Vizguerra’s long-awaited arrest occurred while she was at her workplace in Target, with reports describing the federal agents’ behavior as disrespectful. Her detention has drawn widespread criticism, sparking protests and sharp remarks from public figures, including Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. They condemned the actions of ICE and expressed concerns over potential political motivations behind the arrest, particularly following Trump’s return to office.

Legal and Political Implications

ICE has defended its action by stating that Vizguerra has a final order of deportation, classifying her as a “convicted criminal alien.” ICE claims her illegal entry into the United States on December 24, 1997, and a 2009 misdemeanor conviction justify the detention. Her attorneys, however, argue that the deportation order is invalid, filing an emergency petition for a writ of habeas corpus and a petition for review against ICE’s actions.

Immigration activist Jeanette Vizguerra to appear in court after ICE detained her https://t.co/goTNuXZ4d0 pic.twitter.com/thPCvcQXMY

— FOX31 Denver KDVR (@KDVR) March 20, 2025

Liberal critics argue her detention is an assault on immigrant rights, with organizations like the League of United Latin American Citizens rallying in her defense. Her legal team contends that ICE’s reinstated deportation order from 2013 is flawed procedurally and points to her granted voluntary departure in 2011 as evidence. Her previous attorney, Hans Meyer, suggests she is being targeted for her activism.

Sanctuary Cities vs. Federal Enforcement

Jeanette Vizguerra has become a significant figure in the challenge between sanctuary cities and federal immigration enforcement, embodying the conflict at its core. Her status and actions during Trump’s first term earned her a place among Time’s 100 Most Influential People, despite her status as a criminal. Her case remains a focal point of discussion on the balance of city policies aimed at protecting illegals and federal mandates enforcing immigration laws. Supporters view her detention as politically motivated, criticizing it as persecution rather than justice.

As the legal battle unfolds, the case of Jeanette Vizguerra emphasizes tensions surrounding immigration policy and enforcement in the United States, spotlighting the deep divisions and complex discussions around the rights of undocumented immigrants and the authority of federal agencies.