Spanish-Language Journalist Detained by ICE After Arrest at Atlanta Immigration Protest

Mario Guevara, a Spanish-language journalist known for his courageous coverage of immigration raids in the Atlanta area, now faces the threat of deportation after being arrested while covering a protest last weekend.

Guevara, who fled El Salvador two decades ago due to political persecution, has built a strong reputation and a large following as an independent reporter documenting immigration enforcement. On Saturday, he was broadcasting live on social media from a protest in DeKalb County—just outside Atlanta—when police arrested him.

Arrest Caught on Video: “I’m a Member of the Media”

The footage shows Guevara standing with other journalists on a sidewalk, filming police officers in riot gear as they moved through a parking lot. When officers approached, Guevara stepped into the street and identified himself as press, saying, “I’m a member of the media, officer.” At the time, he wore a bright red shirt under a vest clearly marked with “PRESS.”

Despite this, police detained him on charges including obstructing officers, unlawful assembly, and improperly entering a roadway. DeKalb County jail held Guevara, and although a judge granted him bond, he remained detained for an additional 48 hours due to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) hold.

Facing Potential Deportation Despite Pending Green Card

Guevara’s attorney, Giovanni Diaz, explained that while Guevara is not a legal permanent resident, he currently has authorization to live and work in the U.S. He also has an adult son who is a U.S. citizen and has a green card application pending.

“If ICE takes custody of Mario,” Diaz said, “he would face federal immigration court and potential deportation.” Diaz is confident Guevara has a strong case to remain in the country, but acknowledges the climate of heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration has increased concerns.

A Voice for the Immigrant Community

Mario Guevara fled El Salvador in 2004 with his family after enduring harassment and violence because of his work as a political reporter for La Prensa Gráfica. Settling in Georgia, he worked for Mundo Hispánico, the state’s largest Spanish-language newspaper, before launching his own independent news site, MGNews.

Guevara’s fearless coverage—often streamed live with help from a network of community tipsters—has earned him over 780,000 followers on Facebook. His work has brought crucial visibility to immigration raids and enforcement actions that affect thousands in the area.

Arrest Raises Concerns Over Press Freedom

Saturday’s protest in DeKalb County was one of many across the U.S. responding to the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Authorities said police responded to crowds marching toward an interstate onramp, deploying tear gas and making several arrests.

News outlets, including The Associated Press, photographed Guevara at the scene. Yet, the video leading up to his arrest shows him calmly standing away from the crowds and police vehicles, not engaged in any confrontational behavior.

Diaz emphasized Guevara’s long history of working openly and transparently with law enforcement and local authorities.

“He’s been documenting immigration enforcement for over 20 years. He’s well known to the authorities. The fact that he’s detained now is deeply concerning. He’s a member of the press and doesn’t appear to have committed any crime,” Diaz said.