Appeals Court Orders Deportation of Journalist Mario Guevara After 3 Months in ICE Detention

Atlanta-based journalist Mario Guevara faces imminent deportation to El Salvador following a decision by an immigration appeals court, which overruled a previous bond grant. Guevara, who has been held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for over three months, was initially arrested while covering a protest despite possessing a valid press ID and work permit. His prolonged detention and the recent deportation order have drawn widespread condemnation from press freedom advocates and civil liberties organizations.

Guevara was detained on June 14, 2025, by local police in suburban Atlanta while reporting on a "No Kings Day" protest. Although initial charges of failing to disperse and standing in the roadway were subsequently dropped, ICE took him into custody and has since pursued his deportation. A social media post highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, > "Atlanta journalist detained by ICE—will be deported 'immediately.'"

Despite possessing a valid work permit and a pending application for a green card, which his attorney Giovanni Diaz confirms provides a clear legal path to residency, ICE appealed an immigration judge's earlier decision to grant him bond. The recent appeals court ruling has effectively rendered the bond case moot, prompting the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to file an emergency appeal and a habeas corpus petition. The ACLU argues that his continued detention violates his First Amendment rights.

Guevara, a prominent Spanish-language reporter and Emmy winner, has resided in the U.S. for over two decades, extensively covering immigration issues. Organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) assert that his detention and potential deportation are a direct result of his reporting, describing it as retaliation. ICE, however, maintains that Guevara is in the country illegally, citing a 2012 deportation order that was administratively closed but recently reopened by the Board of Immigration Appeals.

His case has sparked national conversation regarding press freedom and the treatment of journalists covering sensitive topics. The ACLU stated that Guevara "could be put on a deportation plane at any moment," emphasizing the urgency of their legal efforts to prevent his removal. His prolonged detention at the Folkston ICE processing center and the ongoing legal battles underscore the significant implications for both his personal future and the broader landscape of journalistic protections.