The case of Salvadoran journalist Mario Guevara – originally arrested for covering a protest against immigration raids in Atlanta – has become even more complicated after being taken into ICE custody. Now, according to information obtained by Noticias Telemundo Georgia, the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office has opened a new criminal file and is seeking his arrest on three charges related to traffic violations, in events that occurred in May and June 2025.
Mario Guevara, known for his live broadcasts through his official Facebook account, where he documents immigration operations, has been in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at an unspecified immigration detention center in Georgia since June 18.
Mario Guevara to Face New Charges in Gwinnett
According to the official report, the new accusations stem from incidents that occurred last May 20, when the journalist allegedly followed undercover vehicles of agents in the area of Preston Lay Drive in Tucker.
According to the report, Guevara was driving with one hand while holding his cell phone with the other to broadcast live on Facebook.
In addition, he is charged with reckless driving for allegedly speeding in an area where pedestrians are present.
Another charge states that on June 13, during an attempt to follow officers’ vehicles again, Guevara allegedly ran a red light.
These three new charges are in addition to those he was already facing in DeKalb County related to his arrest at the June 14 protest, where he was charged with obstruction of authority, unlawful assembly and jaywalking.
Meanwhile, police this week released images captured by the body camera of one of the officers during Guevara’s arrest.
What happens now?
Mario Guevara’s legal outlook becomes more complicated.
It is not yet clear whether Gwinnett County authorities will seek his extradition from the immigration center, or whether the new charges will be stayed until his ICE proceedings are resolved.
His legal team Diaz & Gaeta confirmed that the journalist was released from the DeKalb County Jail around 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18, and that he currently remains in federal custody.
Attorney Giovanni Diaz explained that, although Guevara has a valid work permit and has a path to apply for permanent residency in process, his situation is still vulnerable because he does not yet have resident status.
“Mario is not a permanent resident yet and that’s the reality, I don’t want to talk too much about his immigration status,” Diaz said during a press conference hosted by his legal team on Tuesday night, June 17.
A high-risk situation
Buzzy
Mario Guevara’s case has captured the attention of journalists and civil rights organizations, which have denounced what they consider an excessive use of the criminal and immigration system against a reporter whose work consists of documenting public operations.
The outcome is still open.
For now, his legal team continues to fight to obtain his immigration release and face the charges in freedom.
Mario is not a permanent resident yet and that's the reality
