Advocates for Human Rights and Press Freedom Condemn Impending Deportation of Journalist
In a controversial turn of events, a Salvadoran journalist based in Georgia faces immediate deportation following his arrest during a protest. The case has sparked concern among human rights and media freedom organizations, who warn it sends a troubling signal to journalists across the United States.
Arrest During Protest Leads to Long Detention
Mario Guevara, a 48-year-old Salvadoran national, has carved out a significant presence in the Atlanta media landscape through his Spanish-language outlet, MG News. The journalist was arrested by local police while live-streaming a “No Kings” protest aimed at then-President Donald Trump. He has since been held in detention for more than three months.
The Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) claims that Guevara is unlawfully present in the United States, thus subject to deportation. However, his legal team strongly disputes this allegation.
Disputed Immigration Status and Legal Battle
An immigration board recently issued a removal order based on a claim that Guevara failed to pay an immigration bond 13 years ago. His attorneys refute this as an erroneous decision, having provided evidence of the bond’s payment and subsequent cancellation. The board’s decision imposes a daily civil penalty of $998 for each day Guevara remains in the country.
Detained at the Folkston ICE Processing Center in Georgia, Guevara has filed a habeas case contesting his detention before a federal district judge. Advocates argue the move to detain and deport Guevara serves as a deliberate attempt to silence his journalistic endeavors.
A Voice for the Vulnerable Latino Community
Guevara has been a prominent advocate for the Latino community, bringing to light issues of immigration enforcement in the region. He fled El Salvador due to receiving death threats related to his journalism work and sought refuge in the United States over two decades ago. Since then, he has been actively documenting and reporting on the challenges faced by growing Latino populations in the South.
Despite having once been cleared by the Board of Immigration Appeals in 2012 and holding work authorization, his recent application for permanent residency is pending through his American-born son.
A Broader Attack on Press Freedom?
The case has garnered attention from various human rights organizations. Amnesty International USA described his detention as “arbitrary,” suggesting his potential deportation sends a “chilling message” indicating that journalists could face undue repercussions for their work.
Katherine Jacobsen of the Committee to Protect Journalists called the deportation order a “miscarriage of justice,” emphasizing that Guevara’s reporting activities have been valuable to the Atlanta community.
The White House, however, has stated that the case is unrelated to press freedoms, asserting the administration’s stance on enforcing immigration laws rigorously.
Charges Dropped Yet Detained
The dramatic narrative around Guevara’s situation escalated when he was initially charged with unlawful assembly and obstruction during the protest. These charges were later dropped, as were subsequent traffic-related misdemeanors, yet Guevara remains in detention as deportation proceedings advance.
Videos of his arrest reveal Guevara clearly identifying himself as a member of the press, wearing a vest with “PRESS” emblazoned across it during the protest. Despite his clear identification and compliance, the charges of unlawful assembly and obstruction were initially brought against him.
The unfolding of Mario Guevara’s case reflects broader concerns around the treatment of journalists, particularly those covering sensitive political matters and engaging in activism through journalism. As his situation remains unresolved, the implications reverberate through media circles and beyond.
