Judge queries reason for ICE holding a Spanish-language journalist without formal accusations
In a case that has sparked controversy and raised concerns about press freedom, Spanish-language journalist Mario Guevara remains detained despite all charges related to a protest incident in June being dismissed.
Guevara, a native of El Salvador, was arrested during the protest while livestreaming video on social media, wearing a protective vest with "PRESS" printed on it. The incident occurred in DeKalb County, Georgia, where local police apprehended him.
Since his arrest, Guevara has been held by the U.S. Marshals Service. However, an immigration judge set a $7,500 bond for his release, a decision that has been put on hold while the government appeals it.
Guevara's lawyers argue that his continued detention violates his constitutional rights to free speech and due process. They have asked for his immediate release from an immigration detention center in Georgia. ICE, on the other hand, has refused to comply with this request.
Guevara's work as a journalist spans both El Salvador and the United States. He has built a large following working for the Spanish-language newspaper Mundo Hispanico and started his own digital news outlet, MG News. His adult children have been vocal in calling for his release.
The government argues that it has broad discretion to detain Guevara, a claim that has been met with scepticism from some quarters. His arrest and continued detention have been decried by journalism and press freedom groups, as well as some public officials in Georgia.
A petition filed in court alleges that Guevara's constitutional rights are being violated. The judge did not rule on Guevara's immediate release in court but gave attorneys on both sides a week to file additional legal briefs. The judge also questioned the continued detention of Guevara after the charges against him were dropped.
Guevara fled El Salvador two decades ago due to violence and harassment faced as a journalist. He frequently goes to scenes where ICE or other law enforcement agencies are active, often acting on community tips and livestreaming what he's seeing on social media.
This ongoing case has brought attention to the complexities of immigration law and the potential implications for press freedom in the United States. As the legal proceedings continue, the public and press freedom advocates await a resolution that upholds the principles of free speech and due process.
