Atlanta, GA, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Mario Guevara, a journalist from El Salvador, faces imminent deportation following an immigration appeals court order. Detained since June after a protest arrest, Guevara’s situation has drawn attention from the ACLU and local officials, highlighting concerns over press freedom and immigrant rights. Despite having lived in the U.S. for over 20 years and holding a work permit, his legal challenges continue as he fights against the deportation order amid ongoing advocacy efforts.
Atlanta, Georgia – Journalist Mario Guevara, originally from El Salvador, is facing imminent deportation after an immigration appeals court ordered his removal from the United States. Guevara has been in U.S. custody since June following his arrest during a “No Kings Day” protest in suburban Atlanta. While initial charges against him, including failing to disperse and standing in the roadway, were quickly dropped by local prosecutors, his situation remains precarious.
Despite an immigration judge previously granting him a bond, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has kept Guevara detained while pursuing deportation. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is actively advocating for Guevara, arguing that his detention and potential deportation are retaliatory actions due to his reporting on immigration issues.
Guevara has lived in the U.S. for over 20 years, having fled violence in El Salvador in 2004. His asylum petition was denied in 2012, but his deportation case was administratively closed. Currently, he holds a work permit and has applied for a green card, placing him in a complex legal predicament. He has been held at the Folkston ICE processing center in Georgia for over three months, where his attorneys have filed an emergency petition seeking relief from the deportation order.
The Board of Immigration Appeals recently denied Guevara’s motion to return to the previous judge for a green card application, thus further solidifying the deportation order against him. The case has garnered significant attention from journalism and press freedom organizations, as well as local government officials who express concern over the implications for free speech.
State Senator Josh McLaurin and other officials have criticized the deportation order, asserting it represents an attack on free expression. Guevara’s detainment arose from a civil immigration enforcement action rather than any criminal charge, according to federal prosecutors.
An emergency hearing is underway that may stop the deportation order from being executed. Advocates are apprehensive about the potential that Guevara could be sent back to El Salvador at any moment. His case is increasingly viewed as part of a larger issue of press freedom and constitutional rights, especially concerning his role in documenting police activity and immigration enforcement.
Background on Mario Guevara
Guevara is a former reporter for Georgia’s largest Spanish-language newspaper and currently operates his own online news outlet, MG News. His work has focused on the significant issues surrounding immigration and the actions of law enforcement. The implications of his potential deportation resonate beyond his individual situation, affecting broader conversations about press freedom in the U.S.
Summary of Legal Challenges
- Initial charges against Guevara related to his arrest were dropped.
- ICE has detained Guevara despite his bond being granted by an immigration judge.
- ACLU claims detention is retaliatory due to Guevara’s journalism work.
- His emergency petition for relief has been filed by attorneys.
- His work and history as a journalist are central to the discussion surrounding his case.
Key Implications
The situation surrounding Guevara serves to highlight significant concerns regarding press freedom, the rights of immigrants, and the judicial processes involved in deportation cases. As the legal battle continues, broader implications for journalists and immigrant communities in the U.S. remain at the forefront of discussion.
FAQ
What is the current status of Mario Guevara?
Mario Guevara is at risk of imminent deportation after an immigration appeals court ordered his removal.
What led to Guevara’s arrest?
Guevara has been in U.S. custody since June following his arrest at a “No Kings Day” protest in suburban Atlanta.
What charges were brought against Guevara?
Initial charges against Guevara, including failing to disperse and standing in the roadway, were quickly dropped by local prosecutors.
Who is advocating for Mario Guevara?
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is advocating for Guevara, arguing that his detention and potential deportation are retaliation for his reporting on immigration issues.
How long has Guevara lived in the U.S.?
Guevara has lived in the U.S. for over 20 years, having fled violence in El Salvador in 2004.
Is Guevara’s asylum petition still active?
His asylum petition was rejected in 2012, but his deportation case was administratively closed, and he currently holds a work permit and has applied for a green card.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Surge in Immigration Arrests in Atlanta Raises Concerns
ACLU Advocates for Spanish Journalist Detained in Georgia
Salvadoran Journalist Appeals for Release from Custody
Salvadoran Journalist Released from ICE Custody
ICE Raids Cause Alarm in Georgia’s Immigrant Communities
Additional Resources
- CBS News: Mario Guevara Deportation Order
- Wikipedia: Press Freedom in the United States
- The Guardian: Mario Guevara Deportation
- Google Search: Mario Guevara
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Atlanta Journalist Mario Guevara to be Deported
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Freedom of the Press
- Atlanta News First: Spanish Journalist in ICE Custody
- Google News: Mario Guevara Deportation
- WSB Radio: Immigration Appeals Court Orders Deportation
- Google Scholar: Immigration Law
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.
