ICE Detains Spanish-Language Journalist Arrested During Georgia Protest

U.S. immigration authorities have detained Mario Guevara, a Spanish-language journalist, who is now facing deportation proceedings after his arrest during a protest outside Atlanta over the weekend. Guevara was taken into custody on charges of obstructing police and unlawfully assembling while covering the rally.

Following his arrest by local police in DeKalb County, Guevara was transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) three days later. An agency spokesperson confirmed that Guevara’s case will now be presented in immigration court, where a determination will be made regarding his ability to remain in the United States. Guevara, originally from El Salvador, has legal authorization to live and work in the U.S., with a pending application for permanent residency.

Guevara’s attorney, Giovanni Diaz, contends that his client was merely acting in his capacity as a journalist and did not engage in any unlawful activity during the protest. He emphasizes that Guevara has a right to report on events such as these. The attorney’s messages seeking clarification on Guevara’s status were not returned by mid-week.

Having fled El Salvador two decades ago due to political persecution, Guevara has gained significant recognition as an independent journalist focused on immigration issues in the Atlanta area. He was livestreaming the protest against the Trump administration’s immigration policies when law enforcement officials took him into custody. Footage from the event displays Guevara identifying himself as a member of the media, dressed in attire that clearly marked him as press.

According to DeKalb County reports, at least eight individuals were arrested during the protest, with police employing tear gas to disperse demonstrators who were attempting to access an interstate onramp. Guevara’s footage indicates that he was positioned on a sidewalk among other journalists, without any signs of violence or large confrontations occurring nearby at the time of his arrest.

The charges filed against Guevara include obstructing police, unlawful assembly, and improperly entering a roadway. His detention has drawn criticism from organizations dedicated to press freedom, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, which expressed concern over the implications of such actions on media freedom in the U.S.

Amidst the backdrop of ongoing immigration challenges, Guevara previously sought asylum in the U.S. in 2012, a request that was ultimately denied. Nevertheless, ICE previously worked with his legal counsel to resolve his case without enforcing deportation. Diaz remains hopeful about Guevara’s chances of staying in the U.S., although he acknowledges the complexities and uncertainties introduced by the current administration’s strict immigration policies.

The case has sparked discussions about the treatment of journalists covering protests and raises questions about the rights of immigrant reporters amid heightened scrutiny. As Guevara’s legal situation unfolds, the implications for both his career and broader press freedoms in the United States are gaining attention. His family remains concerned about the future, uncertain of what lies ahead under the prevailing immigration climate.