Georgia Journalist Mario Guevara Deported to El Salvador After Court Denies Stay Request

Mario Guevara, an Emmy Award-winning journalist based in Georgia, was deported to El Salvador following a federal appeals court ruling that upheld his deportation due to incomplete permanent residency paperwork, despite his First Amendment right to cover protests. Guevara had been detained by ICE for over 100 days after his arrest while livestreaming a protest against President Trump's administration in DeKalb County, where charges against him were eventually dropped. His deportation has sparked concern among press freedom advocates, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, who view the action as retaliatory and a troubling sign for press freedom under the current administration. Guevara's family expressed shock and sorrow over his prolonged detention and sudden removal, emphasizing his role as the family's cornerstone. After arriving in El Salvador, Guevara expressed his commitment to continue his journalistic work from his home country. The case highlights tensions between immigration enforcement and the rights of journalists covering sensitive political events in the United States.