News Summary
Mario Guevara, a Salvadoran journalist, was released from ICE custody after nearly two weeks of detention. Initially arrested while covering an immigration protest, charges against him were dropped due to a lack of evidence. Despite his release, Guevara still faces additional charges in Gwinnett County and risks deportation. His case has raised significant concerns about the treatment of journalists under U.S. immigration laws, especially those who are non-citizens, prompting discussions among free press advocates nationwide.
Folkston, Georgia – Salvadoran journalist Mario Guevara was released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody on Wednesday after being detained for nearly two weeks. Guevara’s bond was set at $7,500 by a federal immigration court judge earlier this week following his arrest on June 14 while covering an immigration protest in DeKalb County.
The initial charges against Guevara included unlawful assembly, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, and being a pedestrian on a roadway. However, these charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence last week. Despite his release from ICE custody, Guevara still faces additional charges in Gwinnett County, related to distracted driving, failure to obey a traffic control device, and reckless driving.
Following his bond hearing conducted virtually, Judge James Ward authorized Guevara’s release, although federal officials indicated that they would appeal this decision. A hearing for the appeal has been scheduled for July 31, 2025. Guevara’s attorneys assert that he holds work authorization, but officials maintain that he does not have permanent residency in the United States.
During the initial proceedings, federal prosecutors highlighted a 2015 Facebook post showing Guevara with a firearm as evidence that he posed a danger to the public, a claim that his lawyer vigorously contested. The case has raised significant concerns among free press advocates regarding the treatment of journalists, especially non-citizen reporters, under U.S. immigration laws.
Guevara, who has reported on immigration for over 20 years, was the only journalist detained in the United States at the time of his arrest. His background includes fleeing El Salvador in 2004 after receiving threats due to his political reporting. Although he was ordered to leave the U.S. in 2012, Guevara is currently in the process of obtaining a green card.
In June 2024, he founded MGNews, a news outlet dedicated to covering immigration enforcement issues in metro Atlanta. The arrest of Guevara while wearing press attire raised alarms among advocates for free speech, highlighting the potential risks journalists face in the U.S. when covering immigration and related matters.
Concerns about press freedoms have been prominently expressed by various organizations following Guevara’s case. A coalition of free speech groups is advocating for the dismissal of the charges against him and the cessation of deportation proceedings. The implications of his arrest on the landscape of press freedoms and the potential dangers for journalists who are not U.S. citizens have sparked discussions nationwide.
Despite now being released, Guevara is still at risk of deportation back to El Salvador. Local Gwinnett County law enforcement officials confirmed that he is not in their custody, but the legal battles regarding his immigration status and ongoing charges remain unresolved. Guevara’s situation exemplifies the challenges faced by non-citizen journalists, reflecting broader concerns about governmental actions towards immigration enforcement and its intersection with press rights.
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: Freedom of the Press
- Latin Times
- Google Search: Press Freedom Issues
- Axios
- Google Scholar: Press Freedom and Immigration
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Freedom of Speech
- 11 Alive
- Google News: Immigration Reporters
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
ATLANTA STAFF 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.
