Salvadoran Journalist Mario Guevara Deported From U.S. After Months in ICE Custody

Overview

• Guevara was arrested in June in Atlanta while livestreaming a “No Kings” protest in a press vest, and the misdemeanor charges were later dismissed.
• Despite the dropped charges, ICE kept him detained and authorities reopened his long-dormant immigration case, resulting in his removal to El Salvador.
• An immigration tribunal noted press-freedom arguments in the record but ruled his attorneys failed to establish a valid defense under immigration law.
• The ACLU condemned his treatment, saying journalists should not fear government reprisals for their work.
• His U.S.-citizen son says he has begun steps to seek legal status for his parents and intends to keep fighting for his father.