Salvadoran Journalist Arrested During ‘No Kings’ Protest Faces Deportation

Key Takeaways

• Mario Guevara was arrested June 14, 2025, during a ‘No Kings’ protest livestream in DeKalb County, Georgia.
• Despite bond, Guevara was held on an ICE detainer and transferred to ICE custody June 18, 2025.
• Guevara has legal work authorization and a pending green card application through his U.S. citizen son.

A Salvadoran journalist’s arrest during a protest in Georgia has become a flashpoint in the debate over press freedom, immigration enforcement, and the rights of non-citizen reporters in the United States 🇺🇸. Mario Guevara, a well-known figure in Atlanta’s Latino community, was detained on June 14, 2025, while livestreaming a “No Kings” protest. His subsequent transfer to ICE custody and the possibility of deportation have raised urgent questions about the use of ICE detainers, the vulnerability of immigrant journalists, and the broader impact on local communities.

Who Is Mario Guevara and What Happened?

Mario Guevara is a Salvadoran journalist who has spent years reporting on immigration raids and issues affecting Latino families in Atlanta. On June 14, 2025, he was covering a “No Kings” protest in DeKalb County, Georgia. The protest was part of a nationwide movement criticizing President Trump’s immigration policies and coincided with a military parade in Washington and President Trump’s 79th birthday.

While livestreaming the event, Guevara was arrested and charged with three misdemeanors:
– Obstruction of law enforcement
– Unlawful assembly
– Improperly entering a roadway as a pedestrian

Despite being granted bond by a judge on June 16, Guevara was not released. Instead, he was held on an ICE detainer—a request from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to keep him in custody for up to 48 hours after his scheduled release. By the morning of June 18, he had been transferred from DeKalb County Jail to ICE custody. His exact location was not made public, but he was expected to be processed at an ICE field office and possibly moved to the Stewart Detention Center or Folkston ICE Processing Center in Georgia.

Why Is This Case Important?

Guevara’s arrest and detention have drawn attention for several reasons:
– He was clearly identified as a journalist, wearing a vest marked “PRESS” and carrying a press pass.
– He has legal work authorization and a pending green card application through his adult U.S. citizen son.
– His reporting has been a vital source of information for Atlanta’s Latino community, especially during immigration raids.

Press freedom advocates, immigrant rights groups, and legal experts have all spoken out about the case, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent for journalists and immigrants alike.

The Role of ICE Detainers

An ICE detainer is a formal request from ICE asking local law enforcement to hold a non-citizen for up to 48 hours after they would otherwise be released, so ICE can take custody. Detainers are often used when someone is arrested on criminal charges, even if those charges are minor or later dropped.

Legal experts point out that ICE detainers can be placed on any non-citizen who does not have permanent residency (a green card), regardless of whether they have legal work authorization. This means that even people like Mario Guevara, who are following the legal process to become permanent residents, can be swept up in immigration enforcement actions if they are arrested for any reason.

Background: Mario Guevara’s Journey

Mario Guevara’s story began in El Salvador, where he worked as a political reporter for La Prensa Gráfica. In 2004, he fled the country after facing threats and violence because of his reporting. He settled in the United States 🇺🇸 and became a leading Spanish-language journalist in Atlanta, first with Mundo Hispanico and later through his own platform, MGNews. Over the years, he built a following of more than 1 million people on social media.

Guevara is known for his real-time coverage of immigration raids. He often receives tips from the community and broadcasts live from the scene, helping families stay informed and safe. His work has earned him an Emmy and made him a trusted voice for many immigrants in Georgia.

The “No Kings” Protest and Its Significance

The protest where Guevara was arrested was part of a larger movement called “No Kings.” These protests were organized to challenge President Trump’s immigration policies and to call attention to what many see as heavy-handed enforcement actions. The timing of the protest—on the same day as a military parade in Washington and President Trump’s birthday—added to its symbolic importance.

Guevara’s arrest during this protest has been seen by many as an attempt to silence critical coverage of immigration enforcement. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called his detention “a crude form of censorship” and demanded his immediate release.

What Happens Next? The Legal Process

Now that Mario Guevara is in ICE custody, several steps will follow:

1. ICE Processing and Detention

Guevara will be processed at an ICE field office. He may then be transferred to a larger detention facility, such as the Stewart Detention Center or Folkston ICE Processing Center in Georgia.

2. Immigration Court Proceedings

If ICE decides to pursue deportation, Guevara will appear before an immigration judge. His attorney, Giovanni Diaz, will argue that Guevara should not be deported because:
– He has legal work authorization.
– He has a pending green card application through his adult U.S. citizen son.
– He has strong family and community ties in the United States 🇺🇸.

3. Bond Hearing

Guevara’s legal team may request a bond hearing to try to secure his release from ICE detention while his case is being decided. Bond hearings allow a judge to decide if a person can be released while waiting for their immigration case to be resolved.

4. Community and Legal Advocacy

Press freedom organizations, immigrant rights groups, and community members are expected to continue speaking out on Guevara’s behalf. Their advocacy could influence public opinion and, in some cases, affect how prosecutors and immigration authorities handle the case.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Mario Guevara and His Family

For Guevara and his family, the arrest and detention have been deeply distressing. His daughter, Katherine Guevara, described the family’s fear and uncertainty about what will happen next. Guevara’s work has always been about helping others, and now he finds himself in need of help from the very community he has served.

Legal Experts

Legal experts say that the use of ICE detainers in cases like Guevara’s highlights the risks faced by non-citizen journalists and others who do not yet have permanent residency. Even minor criminal charges can trigger removal proceedings, putting people at risk of deportation even if they have legal status to work and are following the process to become permanent residents.

Press Freedom Advocates

Groups like the Committee to Protect Journalists warn that targeting journalists for deportation based on their reporting is a threat to democracy and the public’s right to know. They argue that Guevara’s arrest and detention are not just about one person, but about the ability of all journalists—especially those from immigrant backgrounds—to report freely and without fear.

Law Enforcement

Officials from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office say that Guevara was arrested for violating protest-related laws, not because of his reporting. They emphasize that the charges were related to obstruction, unlawful assembly, and pedestrian violations.

Immigrant Community

For Atlanta’s Latino community and immigrant families across the country, Guevara’s case is a symbol of broader fears about ICE enforcement and the vulnerability of non-citizen journalists. Many see his potential deportation as both a loss for local journalism and a warning to others who speak out on behalf of immigrant communities.

Policy Implications and Broader Impact

Guevara’s case has sparked debate about several important issues:

• Press Freedom: The arrest of a clearly identified journalist during a protest raises concerns about the use of criminal charges to silence critical reporting.
• Immigration Enforcement: The use of ICE detainers following minor criminal charges shows how non-citizens—even those with legal status—can be caught up in the immigration system.
• Community Impact: Guevara’s reporting has been a lifeline for many families. His absence would leave a gap in local journalism and could discourage other immigrant reporters from covering sensitive topics.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, cases like Guevara’s highlight the need for clear policies that protect both press freedom and the rights of immigrants.

What Can Happen in Immigration Court?

In immigration court, Guevara’s attorney will likely argue for relief from removal based on his family ties, work authorization, and pending green card application. The judge will consider:
– Whether Guevara qualifies for adjustment of status through his U.S. citizen son.
– The seriousness of the criminal charges (all misdemeanors).
– His contributions to the community and any risk he might pose.

If Guevara is granted bond, he could be released from detention while his case is pending. If not, he may remain in ICE custody until a final decision is made.

For more information on how immigration court proceedings work, readers can visit the U.S. Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review.

How to Check Detention Status

Family members and supporters can check Mario Guevara’s current detention status using the ICE Online Detainee Locator System. This tool allows people to search for individuals in ICE custody by name or A-number (alien registration number).

Community and Advocacy Response

Since Guevara’s arrest, there has been a strong response from advocacy groups:
– The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for his immediate release and for all charges to be dropped.
– Immigrant rights groups have organized rallies and online campaigns to support Guevara and raise awareness about his case.
– Local journalists and community members have spoken out about the importance of Guevara’s work and the need to protect press freedom.

The Future: What’s at Stake?

The outcome of Mario Guevara’s case will have lasting effects on several fronts:
– For Guevara and his family, the stakes are personal and immediate. Deportation would mean separation from his loved ones and the loss of his career in the United States 🇺🇸.
– For the immigrant community, the case is a reminder of the risks faced by non-citizen journalists and the importance of legal protections.
– For press freedom, the case raises questions about the use of criminal charges and immigration enforcement to silence critical voices.

Key Facts at a Glance

Conclusion and Next Steps

Mario Guevara’s arrest and transfer to ICE custody have become a test case for press freedom, immigration enforcement, and the treatment of non-citizen journalists in the United States 🇺🇸. As his case moves through the federal immigration court system, advocacy groups and community members will be watching closely. The outcome will shape not only Guevara’s future, but also the rights of journalists and immigrants across the country.

Anyone concerned about similar situations should stay informed, support advocacy efforts, and know their rights. For official information about ICE detainers and immigration enforcement, visit the ICE official website.

Guevara’s story is a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by immigrant journalists and the importance of protecting both press freedom and the rights of all people, regardless of their immigration status.

Learn Today

ICE Detainer → A request by ICE to hold a non-citizen up to 48 hours after scheduled release for custody transfer.
No Kings Protest → A nationwide movement protesting President Trump’s immigration policies with symbolic actions and demonstrations.
Work Authorization → Official permission allowing a non-citizen to legally work in the United States during immigration processing.
Green Card Application → A request filed to obtain lawful permanent residency status in the United States.
Stewart Detention Center → A federally run immigration detention facility in Georgia housing ICE detainees awaiting processing or hearings.

This Article in a Nutshell

Salvadoran journalist Mario Guevara’s arrest during a protest spotlights immigration enforcement and press freedom concerns. Held on an ICE detainer despite bond, his case raises alarms about the vulnerabilities of immigrant reporters and the impact on Latino communities in Georgia. Advocacy groups demand his immediate release.
— By VisaVerge.com