Mario Guevara, one of metro Atlanta’s most recognized Spanish-language reporters for his courageous and consistent coverage of immigration raids, was arrested on Saturday, June 14, while conducting a live broadcast from a protest in DeKalb County.
The demonstration, which took place in the city of Chamblee, was one of many that erupted in the region in response to the tightening of the immigration policies of President Donald Trump, who recently reactivated a series of massive raids in communities with a high Hispanic population. According to local estimates, thousands of people took to the streets of the metropolitan area to express their rejection of these measures.
Live broadcast and arrest of Mario Guevara
During the protest, Mario Guevara documented the events through a live broadcast on his Facebook account, a platform on which he has almost 800,000 followers.
In the video, which has almost reached two million views, the reporter can be seen wearing a helmet and a vest with the word “PRESS”, complying with the usual identification protocols for journalists in high-risk coverage.
“I am here in Chamblee, where the authorities are trying to contain the protest that is becoming a bit violent,” Guevara related in Spanish as shouts and slogans could be heard in the background.
Minutes later, the footage shows police in riot gear preventing the protesters from advancing along the roadway.
At a key moment in the transmission, Mario Guevara turns to an agent and says, “Don’t touch me,” just before the signal is cut.
In later fragments of the video, with connection failures, he is heard saying: “Officer, officer, I’m from the press,” moments before being knocked to the ground.
Charges and legal defense of Mario Guevara
According to online records from the Dekalb County court system, Mario Guevara was booked into the DeKalb County Jail at 4:49 p.m. on two charges.
These charges are “obstructing a law enforcement officer” and “walking on or along the roadway,” a minor but frequent offense in protest contexts.
The law firm Diaz & Gaeta Law, which represents the journalist, posted a statement on its Facebook page stating that they are “taking all necessary steps to defend Mr. Guevara and protect his freedom of speech guaranteed by the First Amendment.”
“We are aware that journalist Mario Guevara was arrested simply for recording today’s protests,” the firm added.
Tense context for media and migrants
The protest in DeKalb reflects the climate of growing tension between immigrant communities and federal authorities, following a new wave of raids targeting Latino-heavy workplaces and neighborhoods.
At least seven other people were arrested at the scene, county authorities confirmed Saturday night, according to AJC media reported.
The arrest of a journalist identified as a member of the press has generated criticism from civil rights and press freedom organizations, who fear that these arrests send an intimidating message to independent media outlets that cover sensitive issues for the immigrant community from the field.
In an environment where Latino voices are increasingly seeking representation, Mario Guevara’s case puts the need to protect those who document the truth in times of crisis at the center of the debate.
