Department of Homeland Security Issues Statement on Current Situation of Mario Guevara

DHS confirms Mario Guevara’s deportation process underway

Guevara was arrested during protest

ICE currently holds him in immigration custody

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that Salvadoran journalist Mario Guevara is currently in ICE custody and undergoing deportation proceedings after being arrested by DeKalb County police during a protest on June 14 in Georgia.

In an official statement posted to its account on X (formerly Twitter), the DHS stated that claims linking his detention to his work as a journalist are “completely false.”

According to the agency, Guevara was arrested for “willful obstruction” after refusing to comply with police orders to move out of the street.

He was later turned over to ICE due to an immigration detainer.

Statement on Current Situation of Mario Guevara – Photo: Video Screenshot

“This citizen of El Salvador is in ICE custody because he entered the country illegally in 2004,” stated DHS in regards to the current situation of Mario Guevara, adding that he is currently undergoing removal (deportation) proceedings.

FALSE. Accusations that Mario Guevara was arrested by ICE because he is a journalist are completely untrue.

Mario Guevara was arrested by Dekalb County, Georgia police for willful obstruction after he refused to comply with local police orders to move out of the middle of the… pic.twitter.com/xolCZrys93

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) June 20, 2025

Accusations of Retaliation Against Mario Guevara

The case has sparked significant controversy, as multiple media outlets reported that Guevara was arrested while covering and live-streaming a protest in support of immigrant rights. This has raised concerns among press organizations and civil rights advocates.

Mario Guevara’s attorney, Zachary Gaeta, argues that the arrest and subsequent immigration proceedings are part of a disproportionate response that criminalizes journalistic coverage of social demonstrations.

Divided Opinions

While DHS maintains that the arrest is solely related to Guevara’s immigration status, various Hispanic advocacy groups, journalists, and organizations have called for a protest this Saturday, June 21, in Lawrenceville, demanding his release and denouncing what they see as an attack on freedom of expression.

You might be interested: Mario Guevara, Former MundoNOW Reporter and Always Committed to the Hispanic Community