ATLANTA, Georgia - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has taken custody of Mario Guevara, a prominent Spanish-language journalist, following his arrest at a protest outside Atlanta. Guevara now faces deportation proceedings, marking a significant development in a case that intersects press freedom, immigration policy, and law enforcement practices [1][2].

Guevara, a native of El Salvador, was initially arrested on Saturday, June 14, 2025, while covering a "No Kings" protest against President Donald Trump's immigration policies in Doraville, a suburb of Atlanta. He was charged with obstructing law enforcement officers, unlawful assembly, and improperly entering a roadway as a pedestrian [3].

Three days after his arrest, on Wednesday, June 18, ICE spokesman Lindsay Williams confirmed that Guevara had been transferred to ICE custody. "His case now goes to immigration court to determine whether Guevara, a native of El Salvador, can remain in the U.S.," Williams stated in an emailed statement [1][2].

Guevara's attorney, Giovanni Diaz, maintains that his client was simply doing his job as a journalist and committed no crime. Diaz also asserts that Guevara has legal authorization to live and work in the U.S. and has a pending application for permanent residency [2].

The 47-year-old journalist has built a significant following over two decades since fleeing El Salvador. With more than 1 million followers on social media, Guevara founded his own news site after working for Spanish-language outlets in Atlanta [3].

This case has raised concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists covering protests, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds. It also highlights the complex interplay between local law enforcement, federal immigration authorities, and the media in the context of ongoing debates about U.S. immigration policies.

As Guevara's case proceeds to immigration court, it is likely to draw continued attention from press freedom advocates, immigration rights groups, and the Latino community in Atlanta and beyond.