From the federal prison in Atlanta, Georgia, where he is being held after being arrested by ICE during a protest in DeKalb, Salvadoran journalist Mario Guevara sent a strong message through his communications team: he denounces being a victim of persecution for his journalistic work and requests the intervention of the president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, to prevent his deportation.
“I am being the victim of a type of persecution for having exercised my journalistic work by covering the operations in the streets,” said Guevara, who has been living in the United States for almost 22 years. In the letter, disseminated this July 7, 2025 through his social networks, he stresses that he has never been arrested before, that he has paid taxes during all these years and that he has not committed crimes either in the U.S. or in his country of origin.
Appeal revoked his right to bail
Mario Guevara explained in his message posted on his social networks that a U.S. judge initially granted him the benefit of bail.
However, the prosecutor in charge of the case appealed the decision and was denied again.
“I am about to complete a month in jail and I need to get out so I can continue with my life, continue with my work and support my family,” said Mario Guevara in his message.
During these weeks of detention, Mario Guevara has been transferred to five different prisons, which he considers part of an attempt to “tarnish his record” and facilitate his deportation, as if he were a criminal.
Distance support and clarifications
The journalist asks for direct support from the Salvadoran government and emphasizes his concern as a parent.
“I hereby call on the Government of El Salvador, particularly President Nayib Bukele, to please intercede on my behalf before the Government of the United States, as I am the victim of a type of persecution for having exercised my journalistic work by covering street operations.”
“I have a son with a special condition who needs my presence and care,” she warns.
“Please, I hope you will intercede for me. I am a father of a family who has paid taxes for all these years and who has never committed any type of crime in this country, nor in El Salvador. I believe that I do not deserve to be treated this way.
“I have never been a burden to this country, as I have never received any public benefits. In addition, I have a son with a special condition who needs my presence and care.”
He also clarifies that his message was published by a collaborator of his professional team, to avoid misunderstandings or accusations about the use of prohibited phones or devices in detention centers.
Context of Mario Guevara’s case
Buzzy
Mario Guevara was arrested on June 14, 2025 by ICE following his participation in the “No Kings” protest in DeKalb, Georgia.
Although the local charges were dismissed by the county prosecutor’s office, the federal immigration agency is holding him for alleged lack of legal status.
His legal team, from the law firm Diaz & Gaeta, requested an immigration hearing for July 1, with the intention of filing a bond motion.
So far, civil rights organizations and journalists have expressed concern about his detention, especially because of the implications for press freedom in the United States.
I hereby call on the Government of El Salvador, particularly President Nayib Bukele, to please intercede on my behalf with the Government of the United States
