GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Mario Guevara, a Spanish-language journalist, is facing criminal charges including distracted driving, failure to obey a traffic control device, and reckless driving related to filming a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation while behind the wheel.
The 47-year-old was arrested during a protest in DeKalb County, where police detained several demonstrators. Following his release from DeKalb County Jail, Guevara was transferred to ICE custody. Immigration officials confirmed that Guevara is in the U.S. illegally, having overstayed his visa since 2012.
Guevara’s legal team acknowledges his immigration status but insists he is authorized to work and that he was carrying out journalistic duties during the protest. Immigrant rights and press freedom groups have condemned his arrest and called for his release.
His attorneys are currently seeking a bond hearing in immigration court. Supporters plan to hold another demonstration in Lawrenceville demanding his release.