Colorado immigration rights activist Jeanette Vizguerra's attorneys now argue that her detention was retaliatory, linked to her criticism of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and her activism

Jeanette Vizguerra is currently being held at the agency’s detention facility in Aurora, which is run by private contractor GEO Group.

ICE says Vizguerra entered the U.S. from Mexico illegally in 1997 and is being held pending deportation. In a statement shortly after her arrest, ICE said the mother of four has a final deportation order and “has received legal due process in U.S. immigration court.”

Attorneys for immigrant activist Jeanette Vizguerra claim she was "targeted" and detained by immigration officials "for her activism, for her open speech about the process, and for her organizing."

A federal judge on Friday heard that the lawyers for prominent Denver immigration advocate Jeanette Vizguerra anticipate amending their petition for her release by adding a claim that officials detained her in retaliation for her First Amendment-protected activity.

Lawyers for Jeanette Vizguerra intend to amend her habeas corpus petition, alleging that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained her in retaliation for speech that’s protected under the First Amendment.