Salvadoran Journalist Mario Guevara Released on Bond from ICE Custody in Atlanta

Mario Guevara, a Salvadoran-born journalist known for covering immigration issues in metro Atlanta, was arrested on June 14 while livestreaming a protest and later detained by ICE despite charges related to the protest being dismissed. He faced additional misdemeanor traffic charges from Gwinnett County, which authorities say are unrelated to his journalism work but may be connected to his routine of following immigration agents. After spending time in solitary confinement at an ICE facility, Guevara was granted bond and released from detention in early July, allowing him to return home while his immigration case continues. Advocates and press freedom organizations have condemned his arrest and detention as retaliatory and a threat to First Amendment protections, especially given Guevara's clear identification as press. Guevara has work authorization and a path to legal permanent residency through his U.S. citizen son but remains without permanent status. His case has drawn widespread attention and concern over the treatment of journalists covering immigration enforcement.