Denver Mayor Slams Detention Of Immigration Activist By Trump Admin: ‘Soviet-Style Political Persecution’

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston slammed the arrest of popular immigration activist Jeanette Vizguerra on Monday, saying the Trump administration conducted a “Soviet-style political persecution of political dissidents.”

Speaking at a press conference, Johnson said Vizguerra, arrested by ICE agents on Monday outside her job, “is a mom of American citizens, who works at Target and has started a community nonprofit.”

“This is not something that makes our community safer, in my mind. I think it makes our community more lawless,” he added. The arrest of Vizguerra has catalyzed protests and outcry from advocacy groups. She is being held at the ICE detention facility in Aurora, Colorado.

Vizguerra’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign, with her daughter detailing that she was arrested “by a few ICE officers while they laughed in her face.”

“My mom has fought relentlessly for her community and it is time for all of us to now come together and show all the support for her like she has done to us. I’d love to stress that my mom is not only a pillar but an essential part to our lives. She’s the only person we can truly depend on in any situation where we need help. She’s present in so many aspects and I cannot continue living a life without her here with us. Any help is appreciated to get any support for my mom,” she added.

Raquel Lane-Arellano, member of the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, told CBS News that “ICE’s attempt to deport Jeanette is an attack not just on her, but on every immigrant who has stood up to fight for dignity and justice.” The coalition also stated fears that she may be transferred to another facility out of state due to her strong community connections in Colorado.

Vizguerra, who has spent over two decades advocating for undocumented immigrants and was named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2017, rose to prominence that year when she took refuge in churches during the first Trump administration. Back then, immigration enforcement agents were prevented from making arrests in houses of worship. That directive has changed in the current administration, with sensitive places like churches and schools now being fair game.