Judge Orders Urgent Bail Hearing for Immigrant Activist Vizguerra

UPDATE: A federal judge has just ordered a bail hearing for detained immigration activist Jeanette Vizguerra, requiring authorities to provide her with this critical opportunity by Christmas Eve. The ruling was issued today in Denver, presenting a potential pathway for Vizguerra to secure her temporary release from federal immigration detention, where she has been held for over nine months.

In a significant move, U.S. District Court Judge Nina Wang mandated that immigration officials must allow Vizguerra to seek bail before an immigration judge at the Aurora detention center. Her hearing is set for Friday morning, according to attorney Laura Lichter. If granted bail, Vizguerra could be released while her lengthy immigration case progresses through the courts—a battle that may span “many months or even years,” as noted by Judge Wang.

The Mexico-born activist has lived in the United States for more than 30 years and has been a vocal opponent of deportation efforts. She was arrested in March of this year, a move her legal team claims was a targeted action by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to her advocacy work, which they argue is protected under the First Amendment.

Judge Wang highlighted serious due process concerns in her ruling, responding to Vizguerra’s allegations of being specifically targeted for her speech. The activist gained national attention during her previous battles against deportation, including seeking sanctuary in a Denver church during the first Trump administration. TIME magazine recognized her as one of the most influential people of 2017.

The urgency of this bail hearing is underscored by the approaching Christmas deadline, making it a pivotal moment for Vizguerra and her supporters. This case has drawn significant attention, exemplifying the ongoing struggles faced by many immigrants in the U.S. legal system.

As this story develops, the implications of Judge Wang’s ruling could resonate far beyond Vizguerra’s personal circumstances, impacting the broader discourse on immigration policies and the treatment of activists. Observers will be watching closely to see how this hearing unfolds and what it might mean for others in similar situations.

Stay tuned for updates as we follow this urgent story closely.