Jeanette Vizguerra, a 53-year-old Mexican immigrant and prominent advocate for immigrant rights, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while working at a Target store in Denver on Monday. This incident has reignited discussions about immigration enforcement practices, especially following her history of evading deportation.

Known as a fierce opponent of ICE, Vizguerra gained national attention in 2017 when she sought sanctuary in a Denver church for 86 days during President Trump's administration. The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition characterized her detention as a "cruel and unnecessary action," emphasizing that she has been a pillar of the community and should not have been targeted for her activism. Advocates are calling for her immediate release, stating that her arrest raises serious concerns about due process.

According to The New York Times, one ICE agent reportedly told her, “We finally got you,” upon apprehending her. Colorado’s Democratic politicians have vocally opposed the arrest. Senator Michael Bennet declared Vizguerra a vital community member and requested definite legal counsel for her. He expressed deep concerns regarding ICE's failure to provide due process in her detention.

Denver's Mayor Mike Johnston and Governor Jared Polis have also criticized the situation, calling it a form of "Putin-style persecution of political dissidents." Johnston highlighted that Vizguerra, a mother of four, poses no threat to the community and that her detainment will not ameliorate the country’s immigration issues. Governor Polis echoed these sentiments, demanding transparency regarding Vizguerra's arrest and advocating for ICE to focus on violent offenders instead.

Vizguerra's history includes illegally immigrating to the U.S. in 1997, working various jobs, and becoming a respected community figure. She earned a spot on TIME's 100 Most Influential People list in 2017. After being hit with a deportation order during the Trump administration, she received a stay under the Biden administration.

This recent detention has ignited backlash from multiple political figures and activists who argue it exemplifies the broader issues within the U.S. immigration enforcement system, and they emphasize the need for policy changes that protect immigrants rather than threaten them. The community and advocates are now rallying around Vizguerra, seeking justice and reform in immigration practices.

For more details, see coverage from The Hill, The Hill, and India Times.