The U.S. Department of Homeland Security(DHS) officially confirmed that Hispanic journalist Mario Guevara, widely known in Atlanta’s Latino community, is in deportation proceedings after being turned over to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In a message published on its official account on the social network X (formerly Twitter), the DHS responded to claims by pro-immigrant organizations and journalists that Guevara had been arrested for his work as a reporter.
Mario Guevara was not arrested for being a reporter or journalist
“FALSE. Allegations that Mario Guevara was arrested by ICE for being a journalist are completely false,” the DHS tweet states.
According to the statement, Guevara was initially detained by DeKalb County, Georgia police on charges of willful obstruction for refusing to comply with officers’ orders during an immigrant rights protest on June 14 on Chamblee Tucker Road.
The journalist was broadcasting live on his Facebook account when several officers intercepted him in the middle of the street, despite the fact that he was wearing a vest with the words “Press” visible.
The video of the arrest was subsequently published by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, sparking widespread debate about press freedom and the right of journalists to document public events.
ICE placed a detainer
Following the local arrest, ICE placed a detainer on Mario Guevara.
When he was released by county authorities, he was immediately transferred to ICE custody.
“She is currently under removal (deportation) proceedings,” DHS confirmed.
In addition, the department clarified that Guevara, a Salvadoran citizen, “entered the country illegally in 2004”, which is why he is subject to current immigration laws.
The official version contradicts the allegations
The DHS tweet directly rejects the versions that circulated in social networks and the media, which suggested that Guevara’s detention was politically motivated or sought to restrict his journalistic work.
According to the official version: “This Salvadoran citizen is in ICE custody because he entered the country illegally in 2004”.
In addition, the publication reminds that people in deportation proceedings can manage their voluntary departure from the country using the official CBP One App.
El periodista se dedica a documentar los casos y las detenciones que tienen que ver con la comunidad hispana en Estados Unidos desde hace varios años que reside en el país
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The journalist is currently being held at an ICE detention center in Georgia, awaiting an immigration hearing.
Organizations such as the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and pro-immigrant groups have expressed their concern, asking for guarantees so that Guevara can exercise his right to a full legal defense.
The case has ignited debate in Atlanta and other cities across the country amid growing attention on immigration raids being carried out under President Donald Trump’s administration in 2025.
Find out more at ‘QueOnnda.com’.
