Trump’s ICE finally captures notorious illegal immigrant activist who spent years hiding in churches and mocking deportation orders. The arrest of Jeanette Vizguerra, a Mexican national who became the face of the “abolish ICE” movement, has sparked outrage among liberal politicians but vindication for immigration enforcement officials who spent over a decade trying to execute her deportation order.
At a glance:
• Jeanette Vizguerra, a prominent illegal immigrant activist, was detained by ICE on March 18, 2025, while working at Target in Denver
• Vizguerra illegally entered the U.S. in 1997 and was convicted of using a fake Social Security card in 2009
• She evaded deportation by hiding in churches during Trump’s first term and became a symbol of resistance
• ICE officials say she has a final deportation order and has received full due process
• Liberal officials including Denver’s Mayor called her arrest “Putin-style persecution” while conservative former ICE officials say justice is finally being served
ICE Finally Captures Long-Sought Activist
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have finally detained one of their most elusive targets – Mexican national Jeanette Vizguerra, who spent years hiding in churches to avoid deportation. The arrest took place on March 18 at a Target store in Denver where Vizguerra was working, ending what former Denver ICE Chief John Fabbricatore described as a 15-year effort to enforce her deportation order.
Vizguerra gained national attention during President Trump’s first term by becoming the face of the sanctuary movement, taking refuge in churches where ICE typically doesn’t conduct enforcement operations. Her defiance earned her a spot on Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People list in 2017, with liberals celebrating her continued successful evasion of immigration authorities.
ICE officials made it clear that Vizguerra’s detention was fully justified under the law. “Vizguerra is a convicted criminal alien from Mexico who has a final order of deportation issued by a federal immigration judge,” the agency stated in an official release explaining the detention.
Liberals Claim Political Persecution While Enforcement Officials Celebrate
Denver’s liberal Mayor Mike Johnston immediately characterized the arrest as “Putin-style persecution of political dissidents.” Colorado Governor Jared Polis joined the chorus of Democratic officials condemning ICE for enforcing existing immigration law.
Former ICE official John Fabbricatore offered a starkly different perspective on Vizguerra’s long-overdue arrest. “We’ve known about her for years and she’s gone through the whole immigration process. This woman should’ve been removed in 2009.”
Activist’s Criminal History and Evasion Tactics
Vizguerra’s troubles with immigration authorities began in 2009 when she was caught using a fake Social Security card, which are commonly used by illegal immigrants to obtain employment fraudulently. She was later stopped for driving without a license or insurance – again, like many illegal immigrants in America.
When President Trump took office in 2017, Vizguerra’s deportation order was reinstated, prompting her to take sanctuary in the First Unitarian Society Church in Denver. She remained in hiding with her three American-born children, effectively using religious institutions as shields.
Her attorneys have filed emergency petitions challenging her detention, claiming procedural errors in her deportation order. Her support network, including the League of United Latin American Citizens, has mobilized protests against what they characterize as an attack on immigrant rights.
