ATLANTA, GA — Body-worn camera footage has been released showing Salvadoran-born journalist Mario Guevara, 47, being arrested on June 14 while live-streaming a “No Kings” immigration protest in DeKalb County.
Guevara, wearing a “PRESS” vest and identifying himself as media, can be seen stepping into the street. Police officers quickly placed him into custody on misdemeanor charges including obstruction, unlawful assembly, and entering the roadway improperly. Within days, local jail staff transferred him to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainment under a deportation hold.
Guevara fled El Salvador in 2004 following threats to his life due to his reporting. He has since built a large following covering immigration issues in Atlanta and received an Emmy Award for his work. He holds U.S. work authorization and has a green-card application underway, but the ICE detainer now places his legal status in question.
The Committee to Protect Journalists and local politicians have expressed concern, describing the situation as a potential infringement on press freedom. DeKalb County officials have launched a review of the police response, including the use of tear gas during the protest, and are investigating whether Guevara was simply doing his job when he was arrested.