Immigration activists demand release of Atlanta journalist, lawmakers respond

Hispanic journalist arrested during metro Atlanta protests in ICE custody

ICE agents picked up Mario Guevara, 47, from the DeKalb County jail overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, according to the agency.

ATLANTA - A Spanish-language journalist arrested during a protest in DeKalb County over the weekend is now in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and facing possible deportation.

What we know:

Federal immigration officials confirmed that 47-year-old Mario Guevara is in the country illegally and was turned over to ICE agents early Wednesday morning by DeKalb County jail officials. Guevara, a reporter born in El Salvador with a significant online following, was arrested Saturday by Doraville police during a protest that resulted in roughly three dozen arrests. He was charged with obstruction.

What they're saying:

Guevara’s arrest has drawn strong criticism from immigrant rights groups and press freedom advocates, who argue he was clearly acting in a journalistic capacity at the time of his arrest.

"A journalist who was clearly marked as media and who told police that he was a journalist," said immigration attorney Meredyth Yoon.

Cell phone video from the protest shows Guevara on the sidewalk identifying himself to officers as a member of the media. Activists present at the demonstration claim participants remained peaceful, stayed off the roadway, and complied with law enforcement instructions.

"It’s a complete travesty," said Estevan Hernandez, an immigration rights activist. "The demand is that he's immediately released back to his family and back to the community. And we're going to be here fighting until he is released."

Guevara’s legal team says that while he does not currently have legal immigration status, he is authorized to work in the U.S.

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The other side:

However, federal officials say Guevara overstayed his visa and was ordered by an immigration judge to leave the country in 2012.

Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) told FOX 5, "The journalist in question violated his visa years ago and was ordered by an immigration judge to leave the country in 2012. If he wanted to remain in our country, he should have done so legally. It’s nice that ICE is finally upholding the rule of law, and they have my full support."

House Majority Leader Mike Johnson (R-La.) echoed support for ICE enforcement, telling FOX News, "They’re trying to go after the dangerous criminal, illegal aliens that are in the country harming American citizens."

Activists disagree with that characterization.

"These deportations do not make our country safer. They make it crueler, and they stain the conscience of a nation that claims to stand for justice," Hernandez said.

What's next:

Guevara’s attorneys are currently working to secure a bond hearing in immigration court, though no date has been set. Meanwhile, protesters plan to return to the streets this Saturday for another demonstration in Lawrenceville.