Salvadoran Journalist Mario guevara Detained by ICE After Atlanta Protest Arrest

Atlanta, GA – Salvadoran journalist Mario Guevara, known for documenting immigration raids on social media, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after being arrested at a protest in Doraville, a suburb of Atlanta. Zach Gaeta, one of Guevara’s lawyers, announced the growth on Facebook on Monday.

Details of the Arrest and Detention

Guevara was taken into custody during a protest on Saturday. According to Dekalb County prison records, he faces charges of improper pedestrian conduct, obstruction of law enforcement, and unlawful assembly. Gaeta, from Diaz and Gaeta Law, secured Guevara’s bail on Monday. Though, ICE issued a detention request, also known as a hold, preventing his release.

did You Know? ICE detention requests allow agencies to hold individuals for up to 48 hours, but compliance is not mandatory.

Gaeta’s office is prepared to file another bail motion if ICE takes Guevara into custody. CNN has reached out to ICE, the Dekalb County authorities, and the Doraville Police for comment but has not yet received a response.

Circumstances Surrounding the Arrest

Guevara’s arrest occurred while he was covering a protest against the U.S. government. A Facebook live stream captured the moment of his arrest, showing him identifying himself as a member of the press while surrounded by law enforcement officers.

Gaeta asserts that Guevara was present as a journalist, wearing a press vest and displaying credentials. “He was not protesting; he was recording,” Gaeta stated, expressing confidence that the charges will be dropped.

Immigration and Journalism: A Troubling Intersection

The arrest and subsequent ICE detention raise concerns about press freedom and the ability of journalists to report on sensitive issues like immigration. This incident highlights the challenges faced by journalists covering immigration, including potential risks during protests [2].

The Role of ICE Detention Requests

ICE detention requests, or holds, are a point of contention.These requests ask federal, state, or local agencies to detain individuals for an additional 48 hours, giving ICE time to take them into custody.Though, agencies are not legally obligated to comply with these requests.