English

Defense Team Claims Retaliation Against Jeannette Vizguerra

ATTORNEY | Laura Lichter, lead counsel for Jeannette Vizguerra’s defense team. (Photo/El Comercio de Colorado)

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS UNTIL APRIL 8 TO RESPOND

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado

Haga click aquí para leer la versión en español

Prominent immigrant rights activist Jeannette Vizguerra was arrested on March 17 outside a Target store in Denver, in what her legal team describes as an unlawful and retaliatory detention. Her lead attorney, Laura Lichter, claims that the arrest was a reprisal for Vizguerra’s public activism and a direct violation of her First Amendment right to free speech.

During a federal hearing at the U.S. District Court in Denver, Judge Nina Wang granted permission for Vizguerra’s legal team to amend her habeas corpus petition to include this new constitutional argument. “Why was she arrested? For speaking out, for organizing, for protesting. That’s a constitutional violation,” Lichter explained, referencing the revised legal motion aimed at securing Vizguerra’s release.

New Legal Argument

The defense argues that the deportation order cited by ICE as the basis for her arrest is legally flawed and was improperly reactivated. “This isn’t just a technical glitch—it’s a fundamental error. ICE has no valid authority to detain or deport her,” said Lichter. The court has issued a temporary order barring her deportation or transfer out of Colorado until the case is resolved.

Beyond questioning the validity of the deportation order, the defense also points to the manner in which Vizguerra was detained—handcuffed in public while agents allegedly said “we finally got you”—as evidence of a retaliatory motive linked to her activism.

Family Testimony

During a press conference in front of Denver City Hall, Vizguerra’s children shared their distress and hope. “This has affected us emotionally and financially. We’re getting by, but it’s not easy,” said her third daughter. One of her sons added, “My mom was targeted by ICE for speaking out, for helping others. That shouldn’t be punished.”

The family has struggled to stay in contact with Vizguerra since her detention at the Aurora ICE facility. Lichter criticized the for-profit center, calling it ill-equipped for long-term stays and restrictive regarding legal and family visits. “People can wait nearly two hours for a visit and then only get 30 minutes. It’s unacceptable,” she said.

Defensa denuncia represalia contra Jeannette Vizguerra

Vizguerra’s Case

Jeannette Vizguerra, 53, is one of the most well-known immigrant rights activists in the United States. She gained national attention in 2017 when she took refuge in Denver churches to avoid deportation under the Trump administration. Her case has been in legal limbo for over a decade. Despite her long-term residence, U.S. citizen children, and community contributions, she now faces renewed risk of removal.

Vizguerra remains detained at the Aurora ICE facility as her case continues. The federal government has until April 8 to formally respond to the new legal arguments presented by her defense team. Until then, her freedom and immigration status remain uncertain.