Federal Judge Halts Deportation of 'Abolish ICE' Activist Amid Heated Debate

A federal judge in Colorado has issued a temporary injunction preventing immigration officials from deporting Jeanette Vizguerra, a prominent 'abolish ICE' activist and undocumented immigrant, until a court hearing scheduled for next week. The decision has thrown yet another spotlight on the nation's fiery immigration debate.

The order, handed down Friday by U.S. District Judge Nina Wang, bars local ICE officials, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi from enforcing Vizguerra’s removal while the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals reviews her case. Judge Wang stated, "In light of these unusual circumstances, this Court respectfully concludes that an injunction is necessary to preserve the status quo and permit this Court the opportunity to thoughtfully consider the issues raised by both sides."

Vizguerra, 53, a Mexican national, has been living in the U.S. illegally for years. After she was previously deported in 2012, she returned to the country unlawfully in 2013. While here, she has become a vocal advocate for abolishing ICE and pressing for sweeping reforms to immigration laws. Her arrest earlier this week in Aurora, Colorado, sparked national attention, with a mixed chorus of outrage and support.

Among her defenders is Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, who described her arrest as "Soviet-style political persecution of political dissidents under the guise of immigration enforcement." Johnston’s sharp words highlight the deep political rift over how immigration enforcement is carried out—and, perhaps, how it is perceived.

But not everyone is buying the argument that Vizguerra's activism shields her from legal consequences. Andrew Arthur, a former immigration judge, noted, "This is a woman who unlawfully entered the United States twice. … She is subject to removal from the United States, and she is removable." He likened her situation to that of someone who robs a bank, serves time, then robs another bank and complains about the penal system. Ouch.

Matt O’Brien, director of investigations at the Immigration Reform Law Institute, further accused the State of Colorado and the Biden administration of enabling Vizguerra’s prolonged presence in the U.S. through policies he described as "misguided" and conducive to "lawless behavior." He called her arrest "100% justified."

Meanwhile, Republican Congressman Gabe Evans from Colorado pointed the finger at state Democrats, accusing them of failing to act in accordance with their own claims of wanting to deport criminal illegal immigrants. "Jeanette Vizguerra qualifies for both these categories, and yet Democrats are still opposed to her arrest," Evans argued, underscoring what he sees as hypocrisy in the state’s sanctuary policies.

The case has ignited fierce debates on immigration enforcement and the role of activism in shaping public policy. Whether Vizguerra’s outspoken political advocacy will sway the courts remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the immigration conversation just got even more combustible.