SPJ joins coalition expressing alarm over detention of journalist Mario Guevara

The Society of Professional Journalists joins the Committee to Protect Journalists and a coalition of local and national press freedom and civil liberties organizations in a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, expressing deep concern over the detention of Spanish-language journalist Mario Guevara. The letter demands his release on bond and calls for the three misdemeanor charges against him to be dropped immediately, as they violate his First Amendment rights. 

Guevara is an Emmy Award-winning Salvadoran journalist who frequently covers immigration issues on his “MG News” Facebook page and other social media platforms. He was taken into custody June 14 while livestreaming a protest in the suburbs of Atlanta. The demonstration, organized by the “No Kings” movement, opposes policies tied to the Trump administration. 

A video of the incident shows Guevara wearing a visible press pass and verbally identifying himself as a journalist to officers prior to his arrest. 

“CPJ research shows that it is exceedingly rare for journalists in the United States to be arrested and charged in relation to their work given the protections they enjoy under the First Amendment,” the letter states. “… Furthermore, arresting reporters in retaliation for their work is a crude form of censorship that harms the free flow of information and First Amendment rights enshrined in the Constitution.” 

After Guevara’s arrest, his detention was extended and bail proceedings paused after Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued a detainer against him. Despite having legal permission to work in the United States, he was transferred to the custody of the federal immigration authorities. At the time of the letter’s publication he was being held in the Folkston ICE Processing Center in Georgia. 

“Originally from El Salvador, Guevara has lived in the United States for over 20 years and has become a fixture of the Atlanta community. He currently has work authorization in the U.S. and a path to a green card through his family,” the letter states. 

About the Society of Professional Journalists:

SPJ champions journalists by recognizing outstanding achievement, fighting to protect press freedom, promoting high ethical standards and educating new generations of emerging professionals. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member and give to the Legal Defense Fund, First Amendment Forever Fund or  SPJ Foundation. 

Contact:

Emily Bloch, SPJ President, eblochjourno@gmail.com
Caroline Hendrie, SPJ Executive Director, chendrie@hq.spj.org
Nadia Gordon, SPJ Communications  Coordinator, ngordon@hq.spj.org