Jeanette Vizguerra, a notable immigration reform activist and illegal immigrant from Mexico, has been apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Denver, Colorado. Her arrest occurred on Monday while she was working at a local Target store.

Background of Jeanette Vizguerra

Vizguerra emigrated from Mexico City to the United States on Christmas Eve in 1997. In the years that followed, she established herself as a janitor and became a prominent advocate for immigration reform. TIME magazine recognized her influence by including her in the 2017 TIME100 list, and she has been lauded for her commitment to fighting for immigrant rights.

Life in Sanctuary and Previous Detention

Previously, Vizguerra sought refuge in churches to evade detention, benefiting from a policy implemented during President Biden’s administration that permitted undocumented immigrants to find sanctuary in places of worship. This policy was rescinded in early 2025 under the Trump administration.

Vizguerra’s journey has been fraught with challenges. She was arrested in 2013 by U.S. Border Patrol and in 2009, she faced charges related to driving without a license, although these were eventually dropped.

Advocacy and Public Perception

In a profile of Vizguerra by actress America Ferrera that appeared in TIME, her story was presented as emblematic of the struggles faced by many immigrants. “Jeanette came to this country not to engage in crime, but to pursue the American Dream,” Ferrera noted, criticizing the portrayal of immigrants as criminals by political discourse.

Denver’s Mayor Mike Johnston also voiced his concern over Vizguerra’s detainment, stating, “Her detainment is not about safety. This is Putin-style persecution of political dissidents.” He emphasized her role as a mother of American citizens and a community leader.

Future Implications

Vizguerra’s arrest could have broader implications for immigration policies and the perceptions of undocumented immigrants in the United States. As discussions around immigration reform continue, her story highlights the real-life impact of policy changes on families and communities.