Gwinnett County Drops Charges Against Journalist Held by ICE in Atlanta

Gwinnett County has dropped all charges against Salvadoran journalist Mario Guevara, who remains in federal immigration detention after his controversial arrest while covering protests in June. The charges, including reckless driving, unlawful use of a telecommunications device, and failure to obey signs, were dismissed due to legal insufficiencies and lack of evidence, particularly since some alleged violations occurred on private property. Gwinnett County Solicitor-General Lisamarie N. Bristol emphasized that prosecutorial decisions were based solely on legal standards and evidence sufficiency. Guevara was arrested while livestreaming protests and ICE operations, which authorities claimed compromised law enforcement activities, a characterization disputed by his attorneys. Despite being granted bond, Guevara remains in ICE custody, with advocates and the Committee to Protect Journalists expressing concern over his detention and suggesting political motivations behind it. Guevara himself has appealed for intervention, asserting his persecution is retaliation for his immigration-related reporting.