Washington, D.C., May 15, 2025 – Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights today announced Maine Governor Janet Mills, former DOJ Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer, and immigration reform activist Jeanette Vizguerra as the recipients of its 42nd annual Human Rights Award. A ceremony honoring Mills, Oyer, and Vizguerra will be held on June 5 in Washington, D.C. 

Working as government representatives and grassroots activists, Mills, Oyer, and Vizguerra were selected for their moral courage and willingness to act on their convictions – even at great personal risk. 

As governor of Maine, Mills’ administration successfully sued the federal government to restore funding for school nutrition programs that serve 172,000 school children, after that funding was unlawfully withheld. The former Pardon Attorney, Oyer was fired after she opposed restoring the gun rights of actor Mel Gibson. She was later intimidated by DOJ officials, who warned her against speaking about the incident to members of Congress.

Vizguerra is a well-known activist who has been fighting for immigrant rights since 2009. Named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People, she is best known for seeking refuge in Denver churches after being targeted by ICE during President Donald Trump’s first term. She was detained on March 17, 2025, and is currently being held in an immigration detention facility in Aurora.

“As the daughter of our former attorney general, I know firsthand the necessity of protecting and preserving our democracy,” said Kerry Kennedy, president of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. “From taking a stand against unlawful executive orders and bolstering the moral strength of the Department of Justice to advocating for vulnerable immigrants, these women have chosen to stand up for their beliefs during a time when it is increasingly difficult to do so. I’m honored to recognize Governor Mills, Elizabeth Oyer, and Jeanette Vizguerra, and I hope that this award is a beacon of hope for others like them.”

“I am honored to receive this recognition named for former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, a heroic champion for civil rights and the rule of law that governs our nation and inspires the world,” said Maine Governor Janet Mills. “Throughout my career as a District Attorney, Attorney General, and now as Governor of Maine, I have fought to uphold the Constitution of my state and my country. I feel it is the responsibility of all Americans to speak in defense of their principles, for the rights of others, and for the rule of law which protects us all. As a member of the generation of Americans who were inspired by the career of Robert F. Kennedy, I am truly humbled and grateful for this award, which recognizes how his remarkable legacy should inspire all of us today.”

“I am deeply honored to receive this award in the name of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, who embodied the values of the Department of Justice, and on behalf of the countless civil servants who have honorably carried out the Department’s mission even in the most challenging times,” said Liz Oyer. “The Department’s headquarters building, which bears Attorney General Kennedy’s name, prominently features this inscription: ‘No free government can survive that is not based on the supremacy of law. Where law ends, tyranny begins, law alone can give us freedom.’ This award is a powerful statement that the supremacy of law is enduring and cannot easily be dismantled by any man or woman. It is also a timely reminder that we must be brave when our values are challenged, and we must keep fighting what threatens our freedom.”

“Recently, while detained in a detention center, I received the news that I had received this human rights award. I thank RFK Human Rights for this honor,” said Jeanette Vizguerra. “I work independently, using my own resources. With these resources, although limited, I believe I have made a difference in the movement for social justice. The government wants to silence my voice, but I will continue to sow rebellion until I reap freedom. This award is not only for me but for every person who has been involved in my life—especially my children and my immigrant community. I hope our voices are never silenced.”

Mills, Oyer, and Vizguerra will be recognized during a public ceremony on June 5 at the Kennedy Caucus Room in the Russell Senate Office Building. For more information and to RSVP, visit https://rfkhumanrights.org/awards/human-rights-award.

The RFK Human Rights Award honors champions of social justice who stand up to oppression in the nonviolent pursuit of human rights. Honorees receive a cash prize and ongoing support for their work through RFK Human Rights campaigns and mobilization, strategic litigation, training and capacity-building, and more.

About Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights
Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that has worked to realize Robert F. Kennedy’s dream of a more just and peaceful world since 1968. In partnership with local activists, RFK Human Rights advocates for key human rights issues, championing change makers and pursuing strategic litigation at home and around the world. And to ensure change that lasts, we foster a social-good approach to business and investment and educate millions of students about human rights and social justice.