Denver's mayor, Mike Johnston, has sharply criticized the Trump administration for what he describes as "Soviet-style political persecution" following the arrest of a prominent immigration advocate in Colorado. Jeanette Vizguerra, an undocumented immigrant, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) outside her workplace at a Target store in Aurora. Vizguerra, a mother and grandmother, became well-known in 2017 when she sought sanctuary in churches to avoid arrest during the previous Trump administration, which had a policy against making arrests in places of worship.
Under President Trump's second term, this policy has been reversed, allowing arrests in schools, religious institutions, and hospitals. At a press conference, Johnston likened Vizguerra's arrest to Soviet-era political crackdowns, suggesting it was disguised as immigration enforcement. He echoed these sentiments online, labeling the action as "Putin-style" persecution.
"This is a mother of American citizens, employed at Target, who has also founded a community nonprofit. In my view, this does not enhance community safety; it actually undermines it," Johnston stated. The Department of Homeland Security and ICE have not commented on the arrest.
Vizguerra has long been an advocate against detention and deportation, famously taking refuge in churches in 2017. She has protested outside the Aurora detention center and was recognized by Time magazine in 2017 as one of the most influential people for her immigration activism, with an article penned by actress America Ferrera. Ferrera praised Vizguerra for her hard work and dedication to providing better opportunities for her children, calling it the embodiment of the American Dream.
Having lived in Colorado for over three decades, Vizguerra has also worked as a labor organizer and volunteered with various community organizations. She founded groups like Dreamer's Mothers in Action-Colorado and Abolish ICE Denver. A statement from community groups claims she is being targeted for her activism and criticism of the deportation system.
Recently, Vizguerra has shifted her focus from protesting to educating immigrants about their rights and helping them prepare family plans in case of deportation. Jordan Garcia, a spokesperson for the American Friends Service Committee, noted her involvement in these efforts. Three of her children are U.S. citizens, and one is a legal permanent resident.
John Fabbricatore, a former ICE field director, expressed approval of Vizguerra’s arrest, criticizing her as a criminal and open-borders advocate. Vizguerra was convicted in 2009 for using false documents, and although a judge ordered her deportation in 2011, she was allowed to stay provided she regularly checked in with ICE. She sought refuge in Denver churches during Trump's first term due to fears of deportation.
Her arrest comes after the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student and legal resident, who participated in pro-Palestinian protests. Khalil claims he was targeted for exercising his right to free speech.