DeKalb County, Georgia, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Mario Guevara, a Spanish-language journalist, has been in federal immigration detention since June after a controversial arrest during a protest in DeKalb County. The ACLU filed a petition for his release, arguing that his detention violates his constitutional rights and hinders his journalistic activities. Guevara’s case raises significant concerns regarding press freedom and the treatment of journalists in the U.S., especially within marginalized communities. His family and community have rallied for his release, emphasizing his importance to the local Hispanic community.
DeKalb County, Georgia – Spanish-language journalist Mario Guevara has been in federal immigration detention since June 14, 2023, after a controversial arrest while covering a protest in DeKalb County. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took custody of Guevara days after his arrest by local police. He is currently being held at the Folkston ICE Processing Center, approximately five hours away from his family in suburban Atlanta.
Late Wednesday, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), along with other organizations, filed a petition for Guevara’s release in federal court. The petition alleges that the government’s actions against Guevara are retaliatory in nature, violating his constitutional rights, specifically related to his free speech and due process. The petition aims to secure Guevara’s release so he can return to his family and continue his journalistic work.
Guevara is a well-established journalist, having immigrated from El Salvador around two decades ago to escape violence that targeted him because of his profession. Prior to his detention, he worked for Mundo Hispanico, a Spanish-language newspaper, before starting his own digital news outlet, MG News, about a year ago. He gained recognition for his significant online presence, where he often livestreamed interactions with law enforcement and engaged with the community.
Guevara’s arrest occurred while he was wearing a “PRESS” vest, and he identified himself as a journalist. Following his arrest, he faced charges that included unlawful assembly and obstruction, none of which were sustained, as DeKalb County prosecutors dismissed them. In addition, charges regarding minor traffic violations originating from neighboring Gwinnett County were similarly dismissed shortly after being filed.
Within the legal context of his detention, Guevara was assigned a $7,500 bond by an immigration judge; however, this order is currently on hold pending an appeal by the government. This appeal and the surrounding circumstances of Guevara’s arrest have raised significant concerns among journalism and press freedom advocates, who argue that his detention poses a direct threat to freedom of the press.
Guevara has no prior criminal history and has remained authorized to work in the U.S. His adult children have been highly vocal in advocating for their father’s release, emphasizing his key role within the Hispanic community in Atlanta. The ACLU’s petition highlights that the government’s ongoing detention of Guevara constitutes a form of prior restraint, hampering his ability to report on crucial issues affecting the community.
The petition also explicitly names key government officials, including Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. The ACLU argues that using Guevara’s journalism as grounds for his detention severely infringes upon his First Amendment rights. A hearing regarding the petition will be scheduled in the coming weeks, as Guevara approaches two months in custody and stands out as the only journalist currently detained in the U.S. due to his reporting activities.
Key Details Summary
- Detention Duration: Almost two months
- Location: Folkston ICE Processing Center, Georgia
- Charges: Dismissed charges related to unlawful assembly and other minor traffic violations
- ACLU Involvement: Filed a petition for Guevara’s release citing violations of constitutional rights
- Community Impact: Significant figure in Atlanta’s Hispanic community
Background Context
The issues surrounding Mario Guevara’s detention highlight larger concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists in the United States. The ACLU’s filing emphasizes the ongoing struggle for journalists, particularly those from marginalized communities, to report freely without fear of persecution or retaliation from authorities.
FAQ Section
Why is Mario Guevara in immigration detention?
Mario Guevara was detained after being arrested while covering a protest. His legal team argues that the detention is retaliatory due to his work as a journalist.
What charges did Guevara face?
He faced charges including unlawful assembly and obstruction of police, which have been dismissed by prosecutors. He also faced some minor traffic violation charges that were dropped.
What is the role of the ACLU in this case?
The ACLU, alongside other organizations, filed a petition for Guevara’s release, arguing that his detention violates his constitutional rights and is a form of prior restraint on his journalistic activities.
What has been the community response to Guevara’s detention?
Guevara’s detention has sparked concerns among journalism and press freedom advocates, and his family and other community members have been vocal in advocating for his release.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Salvadoran Journalist Appeals for Release from Custody
Additional Resources
- The Guardian: Mario Guevara Detention
- Axios: Mario Guevara Petitions for Release
- Politico: Journalist Detained by ICE
- Georgia Recorder: First Amendment Groups Push for Release
- ABC News: Judge Orders ICE to Release Journalist
- Wikipedia: Freedom of the Press
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Press Freedom
- Google Search: Mario Guevara
- Google Scholar: Mario Guevara
- Google News: Mario Guevara
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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