Salvadoran-born journalist Mario Guevara was transferred today to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), just as his defense was hoping to obtain his release on bail after four days in detention.
Guevara had been arrested on Saturday, June 14, 2025 while documenting a protest against immigration raids in the Atlanta area. He had been in the DeKalb County Jail since then, but on Wednesday, June 18, it was confirmed that he was turned over to ICE and is now in the federal agency’s official detainee database.
ICE takes Mario Guevara
Although the specific location of the journalist has not been publicly reported, records show that he was taken to a regional ICE office.
So far it has not been confirmed in which detention center he is being held.
An unexpected process for the defense
The journalist’s defense was hoping that Mario Guevara could be released after the 48-hour deadline set in the detainer imposed by ICE on Monday, January 16.
According to lawyer Giovanni Díaz, during this time the legal team planned to arrange for his release on bail.
However, the immigration authorities executed the transfer before the defense was able to file a formal request.
Now, the process will depend on the immigration court.
Minor charges for covering a protest
Lawyers from the firm Diaz & Gaeta, who represent Mario Guevara, reiterate that the charges he faces are of a minor nature: obstruction of police work for walking on a street and participation in an unauthorized demonstration.
They emphasize that his activity as a journalist was fully identifiable and that he did not incur in violent or illegal actions.
“These are very common charges in these types of arrests, but the most important thing is that Mario did not commit any crime,” Diaz told Univision 34 Atlanta.
Immigration status of Mario Guevara
The legal team also clarified that Mario Guevara has a valid work permit in the U.S. and that his immigration case is well founded, since he has an active family-based adjustment of status process.
“I prefer not to go into details, but Mario is authorized to be and work legally in this country,” Diaz added.
What’s next?
Buzzy
The lawyers now plan to request a new hearing in the immigration court and prepare a motion for bond so that the journalist can continue the process at liberty.
Meanwhile, journalist and immigrant advocacy organizations in Georgia and other states have denounced what they consider to be a troubling case for press freedom, as it is an arrest that occurred in the context of news coverage.
QuéOnnda.com will continue to report on the development of this case that has generated widespread attention in the Latino community.
These are very common charges in these types of arrests, but the most important thing is that Mario did not commit any crime
