Immigration judge grants bond to journalist facing deportation

In the United States, a notable event took place concerning Mario Guevara, a Spanish-language journalist originally from El Salvador. He was arrested on June 14, 2025, while covering a protest in DeKalb County, Georgia, specifically a rally opposing President Donald Trump's administration. Guevara was live-streaming the event when local police detained him, subsequently turning him over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) a few days later. Guevara spent time in an immigration detention center in Folkston, Georgia, while facing deportation proceedings initiated by federal authorities. His arrest garnered significant media attention and sparked concerns among press freedom organizations. On June 20, 2025, the Committee to Protect Journalists expressed alarm over Guevara’s situation, emphasizing his detention during an event where he was exercising his First Amendment rights. Following his arrest, the DeKalb County Solicitor-General dismissed the charges against him, indicating that while there was probable cause for the arrest, the evidence did not support a prosecution. Despite this development, Guevara had already been transferred to ICE custody by that time. On July 1, 2025, an immigration judge granted bond for Guevara, which allowed him to be free pending the continuation of his deportation case. The digital news outlet MG News, which Guevara founded, reported that he was able to pay his bail amounting to $7,500. The outcome of his bond hearing has raised questions about the intersection of journalism and law enforcement practices, particularly around the safety and treatment of journalists who document protests. Guevara, who migrated from El Salvador 20 years ago, has built a reputation for covering immigration issues in Atlanta. However, his arrest and ensuing battles raise larger concerns about the implications of police actions against journalists and the risks they face while fulfilling their duties. This case highlights both the challenges encountered by individuals working in press freedom and the continuing complexities within the U.S. immigration system.