Jeanette Vizguerra, TIME 100 Honoree and Immigration Activist, Arrested by ICE
Jeanette Vizguerra, a prominent immigration reform advocate and a 2017 TIME100 honoree, has been taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), reigniting the debate surrounding immigration policy and the treatment of undocumented individuals in the United States. The arrest comes amidst a backdrop of heightened immigration enforcement and renewed scrutiny of individuals with prior immigration violations.
Vizguerra’s story is one of resilience and advocacy. She crossed the border into the United States on Christmas Eve in 1997, leaving Mexico City in search of a better life in Colorado. There, she worked as a janitor, and gradually became an outspoken advocate for immigration reform. Her dedication and activism earned her recognition on TIME magazine’s prestigious TIME100 list, placing her among the most influential people in the world.
According to a report in TIME magazine, Vizguerra was arrested at a Target store in the Denver area, where she was employed. Her arrest has drawn swift condemnation from immigration advocates and political figures who view her detention as a politically motivated act of persecution.
Vizguerra’s case is complex and fraught with legal and ethical considerations. She has a history of immigration violations, including entering the United States illegally on multiple occasions. In 2012, she self-removed to Mexico before illegally reentering the United States. She was subsequently arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol on April 22, 2013. Additionally, she was stopped by police in 2009 and charged with driving without a license, insurance, or registration, though those charges were eventually dismissed.
However, supporters argue that Vizguerra’s contributions to her community and her advocacy for immigration reform should be considered. They emphasize that she is a mother of American citizens, a dedicated employee, and a nonprofit leader with no violent criminal history. Her advocates argue that her arrest is not about public safety, but rather a targeted attack on a prominent voice for immigration rights.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, has fiercely criticized the arrest, characterizing it as "Putin-style persecution of political dissidents." He highlighted Vizguerra’s positive contributions to society and denounced the decision to detain her.
Vizguerra’s case has also brought renewed attention to the practice of seeking sanctuary in churches to avoid deportation. For years, she was known to stay in churches to seek shelter from ICE enforcement, a policy that was previously in place under former President Biden’s administration. This policy allowed undocumented immigrants to stay in churches or schools to avoid arrest. However, the Trump administration revoked this policy on January 21, 2025, leading to increased enforcement actions against individuals seeking sanctuary.
The 2017 TIME100 profile of Vizguerra, written by actress America Ferrera, praised her courage and dedication. "Jeanette moved to the U.S. to be a janitor, working as an outspoken union organizer and building her own company before becoming an advocate for immigration reform—a bold and risky thing for an undocumented immigrant," Ferrera wrote. "The current Administration has scapegoated immigrants, scaring Americans into believing that undocumented people like Jeanette are criminals. She came to this country not to rape, murder or sell drugs, but to create a better life for her family… This is not a crime. This is the American Dream."
Ferrera’s words resonate deeply with those who believe that Vizguerra’s story exemplifies the struggles and aspirations of many immigrants who come to the United States seeking opportunity and a better future. They argue that her arrest is a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by undocumented immigrants and the need for comprehensive immigration reform.
Vizguerra’s arrest comes at a time when immigration is once again at the forefront of national debate. The Trump administration has vowed to refund and deport any "unsavory" immigrants who try for citizenship under a potential "Gold Card" program, signaling a continued focus on stricter immigration enforcement.
The case has touched on many divisive aspects of immigration law and policy. It has ignited passions on both sides of the issue, with some calling for strict enforcement of immigration laws and others advocating for compassion and leniency. The debate surrounding Vizguerra’s fate is likely to continue as her case moves forward.
Fox News Digital has reached out to ICE, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Colorado, Laura Lichter (Vizguerra’s attorney), and Mayor Johnston for comment, but has not yet received a response. The lack of official statements has fueled speculation and heightened tensions surrounding the case.
The outcome of Vizguerra’s case will have significant implications for her and her family, as well as for the broader immigration debate in the United States. It will serve as a test of the current administration’s immigration policies and its approach to dealing with undocumented immigrants who have become active in their communities.
