The U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials denied longtime Denver resident Jeanette Vizguerra’s Stay of Removal application, following a nearly eight-year battle to remain in the country with her DACA-recipient daughter and three U.S. citizen children.
Vizguerra entered into sanctuary at the First Unitarian Church in Denver, Colorado, last week and vows to remain there until her pending U-visa is fully adjudicated.
“By denying Jeanette’s stay of removal, ICE made it abundantly clear that they had no intention of respecting longstanding guidelines calling for specific action when processing stay of removal applications for individuals with pending U visa claims,” stated Vizguerra’s attorney Hans Meyer, principal of the Meyer Law Office, PC. “The Trump administration is bullying a victim of crime and a mother of four. Jeanette’s case is Exhibit A in the brutality of Trump’s immigration enforcement plans, plain and simple.”
Policy director Julie Gonzales added, “What is clear here is that immigrants are no longer safe in the Trump administration. Immigrants who are worried about their cases should consult with a trusted immigration attorney. We are also encouraging immigrants to make a plan with their family members and loved ones on what to do in case of any contact with law enforcement or immigration officials. Now, more than ever, we need to protect each other.”
Meyer concluded, “We offer our thanks to the good people at the Metro Denver Sanctuary Coalition, American Friends Service Committee, elected officials who have spoken out in support of her case, and all of Jeanette’s loved ones and friends. Most importantly, we extend our deepest gratitude to Jeanette Vizguerra herself. It is an honor to work for justice alongside you.”
Over the past eight years, activist and mother Jeanette has fought her battle against deportation. Each year she has attended her immigration “check-in” appointments, with hopes for positive action. She was one of the first undocumented immigrants in Colorado to share her story publicly, and has the support of faith leaders, congressional leaders and the thousands of people who have advocated for Jeanette and her family.
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