Detained journalist facing deportation now in ICE custody, attorney says
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A screenshot of a video uploaded to journalist Mario Guevara's Facebook page that was taken during a livestream of a June 14 protest where he was arrested.
The journalist who was arrested over the weekend while covering a protest in DeKalb County, Georgia, is now in the custody of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities.
Why it matters: Mario Guevara, an El Salvador native and veteran reporter, faces deportation, even though he's authorized to work in the United States.
The latest: DeKalb County Jail records show Guevara was released from the facility just after 7:30am Wednesday.
- "He's in ICE custody and we're working on getting him a bond hearing in immigration court," Giovanni Diaz, whose law firm Diaz and Gaeta is representing Guevara, told Axios on Wednesday.
- DeKalb jail records show Guevara was charged with pedestrian improperly entering roadway, obstruction and unlawful assembly.
- The AJC was first to report on ICE's hold on Guevara.
Axios reached out to ICE for comment, but the agency did not respond.
What they're saying: Diaz told Axios Tuesday it was concerning that Guevara was arrested when he was "just merely documenting police action."
- In the livestream video posted to the Facebook account he uses to share his reports, Guevara was wearing a helmet and a press vest.
- Guevara was heard on the video, which experienced technical difficulties, identifying himself as a member of the press to law enforcement before he was seen on the ground under arrest.
Zoom in: Diaz said Guevara has authorization to work in the United States and is in the process of obtaining his green card.
Catch up quick: Guevara was among eight people arrested during Saturday's protest along Chamblee Tucker Road.
- According to a statement issued by DeKalb County government, police responded in riot gear and told demonstrators to stay on the sidewalk when they tried to march toward the interstate.
- DeKalb County Police called in additional support from other law enforcement agencies, and when the crowds did not follow their commands, tear gas was deployed on the demonstrators.
State of play: DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson said in a statement Tuesday the county will conduct a "comprehensive review of law enforcement actions taken during the demonstrations."
The bottom line: Diaz told Axios Guevara is a "man of faith" who remains hopeful, despite the threat of being removed form the country.
- "He's a mission-driven person and he feels like what he's doing is a service to his community," Diaz said.
Editor's note: This story has been updated.