Journalist faces deportation after being arrested during protest coverage

In the United States, a Salvadoran journalist was arrested on June 14, 2025, while reporting on a protest against President Donald Trump's immigration policies in Atlanta, Georgia. Mario Guevara, who has been living in the U.S. since 2004, was taken into custody by local authorities on charges that include obstruction of police and unlawful assembly. His arrest occurred during a 'No Kings' protest as he was livestreaming the event, an act that reflects his dedication to covering significant issues within immigrant communities. Upon arrest, despite a judge setting his bail, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a detainer on him, leading to his transfer into federal custody. Guevara's situation has sparked widespread concern from various press freedom organizations, which argue that his arrest not only jeopardizes his personal safety and residency status but also raises serious questions about press freedom in the current climate. His lawyers have stated that Guevara holds work authorization in the U.S. and his family is currently navigating the complexities of his immigration status. The Committee to Protect Journalists emphasized that such actions erode the rights of journalists to report independently without fear of retaliation, highlighting their commitment to advocating for Guevara's rights as a member of the press. The arrest has highlighted the intensified scrutiny and detention of journalists in the U.S., especially those covering immigration and protest activities. Guevara, who has built a substantial following through his work documenting immigration arrests and local protests, now faces deportation despite his work permit status and pending application for permanent residency. He previously fled violence in El Salvador due to his journalism career, further complicating the implications of his detention. These events unfold against a backdrop of increasing arrests and deportations under the current administration, fostering a climate where journalists like Guevara can find themselves caught between the pursuit of their profession and the risks associated with it. The advocacy for Guevara's release underscores the vital role of free press and the precarious nature of civil liberties amidst a landscape increasingly marked by stringent immigration enforcement. Organizations like the Freedom of the Press Foundation assert that there is no justification for deporting a journalist who has legally authorized work in the country, advocating for his immediate release to uphold journalistic rights and public interest reporting in a democracy.