A Georgia immigration judge has granted bail to Mario Guevara, a Spanish-speaking journalist, who was detained last month while reporting on a protest in DeKalb County. However, he still faces the challenge of an impending deportation from the federal government.
The 47-year-old journalist from El Salvador was taken into custody by local police during the demonstrations near Atlanta, according to the Associated Press. Shortly after his arrest, he was transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Guevara founded a digital news platform, MG News, nearly a year ago, and recently announced that the judge had approved his bail on social media. The outlet expressed gratitude to Guevara’s attorneys for their efforts in the legal process.
The bail was set at $7,500, which Guevara managed to pay after being arrested while covering a “No Kings” protest on June 14. Having left El Salvador two decades ago, he has since established himself as a journalist focusing on immigration issues in Atlanta.
During his arrest, Guevara was documenting the scene live on social media. He was seen wearing a helmet and a vest labeled “Press,” while explaining the chaotic encounters with riot police. At one point, he identifies himself to the police as a member of the media.
Local authorities charged him with obstructing police and taking part in an illegal assembly. However, the county’s attorney general recently dismissed the charges, citing a lack of evidence to support the claims while also noting that video footage showed Guevara generally complying with law enforcement.
In a twist, Guevara has also been issued a warrant for a distracted driving incident that occurred shortly after his arrest. His attorney noted that while Guevara is not a legal resident, he has a pending application for a green card supported by a U.S. citizen relative.
The Committee to Protect Journalists voiced their support for Guevara, highlighting their concern over his arrest while exercising First Amendment rights. They brought attention to the implications of his detention, suggesting it could deter coverage of issues affecting the community. Guevara’s case has sparked discussions about media freedom amid tensions surrounding immigration enforcement.
