DeKalb County, Georgia, October 3, 2025
News Summary
Mario Guevara, a journalist who covered protests against the Trump administration, was deported to El Salvador after spending over 100 days in immigration detention in Georgia. Despite having all criminal charges dismissed by prosecutors, his legal battle against the deportation order continued unsuccessfully. Guevara expressed gratitude at his return to El Salvador but lamented his circumstances, while rights advocates criticized the deportation as indicative of a troubling trend affecting press freedom.
DeKalb County, Georgia – Journalist Mario Guevara, 48, was deported to El Salvador on October 3, 2025, after being held in immigration detention in Georgia for over 100 days. His ordeal began when he was arrested by local police on June 14 while covering a protest against President Trump’s administration in DeKalb County. Following his arrest, Guevara was handed over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Despite the dismissal of all criminal charges against him resulting from his arrest, Guevara’s legal battles continued in both immigration and federal court, where his lawyers sought his release. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ultimately declined to intervene and halt the deportation order issued by the Board of Immigration Appeals.
After a brief period in immigration court where an immigration judge granted him bond in July, Guevara remained in custody due to the government’s appeal against this decision. Guevara has operated as a journalist in the Atlanta area for almost two decades, having previously worked for Mundo Hispánico and creating his own news outlet, MG News.
His family expressed shock and disbelief at his deportation, emphasizing that he was the family’s central figure. Upon arriving in El Salvador, Guevara posted a Facebook Live video in which he expressed gratitude for returning to his country, while also sharing his sadness over the circumstances surrounding his departure from the United States. He indicated plans to continue his journalism from El Salvador, sharing a photo that included a local dish, pupusas.
Rights advocates have criticized Guevara’s deportation, with Katherine Jacobsen from the Committee to Protect Journalists highlighting that it reflects a troubling trend concerning press freedom under the Trump administration. Guevara had a pending application for a visa through his adult U.S. citizen son when the deportation order was issued against him.
Prior to his arrest, Guevara’s initial immigration case had been administratively closed, only to be reopened in the wake of his arrest by the Board of Immigration Appeals. The charges brought against him included obstruction, unlawful assembly, and improper entry of roadway, all of which were eventually dismissed. Guevara contended that his reporting activities, which involved documenting law enforcement actions, did not pose any threat to law enforcement, contradicting claims made by authorities.
This case raises significant concerns about potential retaliatory measures against journalists in the U.S. who document law enforcement actions, reflecting broader issues of press freedom and the treatment of immigrant journalists.
FAQ
When was Mario Guevara deported?
Why was Mario Guevara arrested?
What legal battles did Guevara face?
What was the outcome of the charges against Guevara?
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Key Features of Mario Guevara’s Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Deportation Date | October 3, 2025 |
| Duration of Detention | Over 100 days |
| Arrest Date | June 14, 2025 |
| Charges Dismissed | Obstruction, unlawful assembly, improper entry of roadway |
| Career Exploits | Nearly two decades as journalist in Atlanta |
| Pending Visa Application | Through adult U.S. citizen son |
| Reactions from Family and Advocates | Shock and condemnation of deportation |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Journalist Faces Deportation After Arrest in Atlanta
Salvadoran Journalist Appeals for Release from Custody
Salvadoran Journalist Released from ICE Custody
Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- The Guardian
- Associated Press
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
- Wikipedia: Mario Guevara
- Google Search: Mario Guevara journalist
- Google Scholar: Mario Guevara journalist
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mario Guevara
- Google News: Mario Guevara
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
