Who Is Mario Guevara?

Mario Guevara is a Salvadoran immigrant and dedicated Spanish‑language journalist who has reported on immigration enforcement in the Atlanta area for over two decades. He founded MG News—a trusted digital news outlet with a vast social media following, reaching hundreds of thousands of viewers, especially in Latino communities. His work has made him an essential voice covering ICE and law enforcement activities.

Photo by David Goldman via AP.

The Turning Point

On June 14, 2025, while wearing a press vest and livestreaming a “No Kings Day” protest in DeKalb County, Mario was detained by local police despite identifying himself as a journalist. All charges—including unlawful assembly and obstruction—were swiftly dropped by both DeKalb and Gwinnett County prosecutors.

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ICE Detention & Bond Battle

On June 14, 2025, while wearing a press vest and livestreaming law enforcement during a “No Kings Day” protest in DeKalb County, Mario was detained by local police despite identifying himself as a journalist. All charges—including unlawful assembly and obstruction—were swiftly dropped by both DeKalb and Gwinnett County prosecutors.

ICE Detention & Bond Battle

Shortly after, ICE took custody of Mario—even though he has legal authorization to live and work in the U.S., is awaiting a green card via his U.S. citizen child, and had previously had his removal proceedings administratively closed.

An immigration judge granted him a $7,500 bond on July 1, but ICE appealed this decision—an unusual move, especially for someone with no criminal history—and the appeal has since put his release on hold indefinitely.

Legal Advocacy

Mario, supported by his legal team—including the CPJ, ACLU, the University of Georgia Law School’s First Amendment Clinic, and other prominent advocates—filed a federal habeas corpus petition. They argue his continued detention is retaliatory, violates his First Amendment right to free speech and press, as well as his Fifth Amendment due process rights.

Widespread Outcry

ACLU affiliates have called it a chilling precedent for press freedom.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) filed a declaration urging ICE to justify Mario's detention, warning that his imprisonment undercuts journalistic freedoms.
Esteemed groups including the Society of Professional Journalists and Free Press have publicly demanded his release.
Coverage by outlets like The Guardian, Politico, The Hill, and The New Yorker underscores the seriousness of his detention and its implications for immigrant and press rights.
Records show detailed coordination between the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office and ICE to oppose his bond, including production of narrative reports and timing of charges—raising concerns over procedural fairness.

Why This Matters

Mario is the only journalist in the U.S. currently imprisoned due to his reporting.
His case highlights critical threats to press freedom, especially for immigrant, non-citizen journalists who serve vulnerable communities.
The situation raises red flags about the criminalization of journalism—especially reporting on law enforcement—and the erosion of constitutional protections.
Mario is a devoted father and caregiver whose continued detention has taken a profound emotional, physical, and financial toll on him and his family.

Because truth matters.