Summary
Salvadoran journalist Mario Guevara was arrested by local police in Georgia while covering a protest. He is now in custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Guevara's case raises concerns about the treatment of journalists who are not U.S. citizens.
Key Facts
- Mario Guevara is a journalist originally from El Salvador who covers immigration in Georgia.
- He was arrested on June 14 while filming a protest against immigration policies in DeKalb County.
- Guevara was charged with unlawful assembly and obstruction of officers.
- During his arrest, Guevara was wearing a vest marked "PRESS."
- The Department of Homeland Security stated Guevara was detained due to his immigration status, not his work as a journalist.
- Guevara's attorney claims he entered the U.S. legally and has valid work permission.
- Guevara has been in the U.S. for around 20 years and is seeking permanent residency.
- Concerns have been raised that his arrest could negatively impact press freedom for noncitizen journalists in the U.S.
