Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Deportation of Abolish ICE Activist Jeanette Vizguerra
A federal judge in Colorado has intervened in the case of Jeanette Vizguerra, an outspoken activist advocating for the abolishment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and a Mexican national residing in the United States illegally. Judge Nina Wang issued an order on Friday, temporarily preventing immigration officials from deporting Vizguerra until a scheduled hearing next week.
The order specifically places a temporary injunction on local ICE officials Johnny Choate and Ernesto Santacruz, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. This injunction prevents them from ordering Vizguerra’s removal while her case is under consideration by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Vizguerra, 53, has been residing in the United States illegally for several years. Records indicate that a deportation order was previously issued against her, leading to her voluntary departure from the country in 2012. However, she illegally re-entered the United States a year later.
Since her return, Vizguerra has emerged as a prominent advocate for abolishing ICE and pushing for more lenient immigration laws. Her activism has garnered attention and support from various groups and individuals.
Vizguerra’s recent arrest by ICE in Aurora, Colorado, on Monday ignited a national controversy. Many Democrats and media outlets have rushed to her defense, portraying her arrest as unjust and politically motivated.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has been particularly vocal in his criticism of the arrest. He denounced it as "Soviet-style political persecution of political dissidents under the guise of immigration enforcement."
Judge Wang’s order emphasizes the "unusual circumstances" surrounding Vizguerra’s case. She stated that an injunction is necessary to "preserve the status quo" and allow the court to "thoughtfully consider the issues raised by both sides." The order explicitly prohibits government officials from removing Vizguerra until the court or the 10th Circuit vacates the order.
While the order suggests that Vizguerra’s case "raises complex issues," Andrew Arthur, a former immigration judge and policy expert at the Center for Immigration Studies, contends that the case is straightforward. Arthur argues that Vizguerra unlawfully entered the United States twice and is therefore subject to removal.
He further asserts that her advocacy against immigration policies does not grant her immunity from removal. Arthur draws an analogy to a bank robber who complains about the penal system, emphasizing that expressing opinions about incarceration rates does not negate accountability for unlawful actions.
Matt O’Brien, director of investigations at the Immigration Reform Law Institute, echoes Arthur’s sentiment. He believes Vizguerra’s arrest is "100% justified." O’Brien suggests that Vizguerra evaded arrest for so long due to the complicity of the State of Colorado and the Biden administration, whom he accuses of implementing "misguided policies" that encouraged lawless behavior and compromised American safety and security.
Rep. Gabe Evans, a Republican congressman representing a district in Colorado, has also weighed in on Vizguerra’s case. He argues that the case demonstrates the insincerity of Colorado Democrats in their purported desire to deport criminal aliens.
Evans points out that Colorado Democrats often express their willingness to collaborate with the federal government to remove criminal illegal immigrants and honor court orders. He claims that Vizguerra’s case meets both of these criteria, yet Democrats are still opposing her arrest. Evans concludes that Colorado is run by "sanctuary state apologists" who cannot even adhere to their own statements.
The case of Jeanette Vizguerra highlights the complex and often contentious issues surrounding immigration enforcement and the rights of undocumented individuals. Her activism and the subsequent legal battle have thrust her into the national spotlight, raising questions about the balance between immigration laws, political expression, and humanitarian concerns.
The temporary injunction granted by Judge Wang provides a brief reprieve for Vizguerra, but the ultimate outcome of her case remains uncertain. The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals will now have the opportunity to review the matter and determine whether Vizguerra’s deportation should be permanently blocked.
Regardless of the final decision, the case of Jeanette Vizguerra will likely continue to fuel the ongoing debate about immigration policy and the role of activism in shaping public discourse. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for other undocumented immigrants and activists who are advocating for immigration reform.
