Court to decide Jeanette Vizguerra's deportation status
Jeanette Vizguerra, a prominent undocumented immigrant activist in Colorado, is facing an uncertain future as her deportation case goes to court. Her lawyers are challenging the validity of a deportation order that dates back 22 years. Vizguerra was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Monday. A federal judge has ordered ICE to respond to her case by the coming Monday, and a hearing is set for March 28. Vizguerra, a mother and grandmother, has lived in the U.S. for nearly 28 years and has been a notable figure in the immigration debate since being named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2017. Supporters, including several Democratic officials, have criticized the government's actions. They see her case as an example of the current administration targeting immigrants and activists. Former ICE official John Fabbricatore believes the government's stance is justified, arguing that Vizguerra's long-term deportation order is valid. Vizguerra entered the U.S. from Mexico in 1997. She worked as a janitor and remained largely under the radar until she had legal troubles, including traffic stops and identity theft charges. In 2013, after visiting her dying mother in Mexico, she returned illegally to the U.S. and was subsequently apprehended for illegal entry. Since 2014, Vizguerra's immigration status has been marked by various legal petitions and appeals, resulting in a mix of successes and failures, depending on the administration. As her case unfolds, some view it as a reflection of deeper issues in U.S. immigration policy.