Federal authorities have issued an immigration detainer against Mario Guevara, a journalist originally from El Salvador, signaling the potential first move toward deportation proceedings, according to a statement from his attorney.
Guevara, who has lived in the United States for several years and reported on immigration and Latino community issues, now faces uncertainty regarding his legal status. An immigration detainer is a notice issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to other law enforcement agencies. It requests that an individual in custody be held for up to 48 hours beyond their scheduled release time so ICE can take them into custody.
The specific reasons behind the detainer were not disclosed publicly, and it remains unclear whether Guevara is currently in custody or facing additional legal issues beyond the immigration matter. His legal counsel emphasized that the detainer is only a preliminary step in the immigration enforcement process and does not constitute a deportation order.
Advocates for press freedom and immigrant rights have expressed concern over the development, citing Guevara’s work in covering vulnerable communities and his role as a voice for Latino populations.
“We are closely monitoring this situation and stand with journalists who face targeted harassment or legal threats tied to their immigration status,” a spokesperson from a national press freedom organization said.
Guevara’s legal team is currently reviewing options for contesting the detainer and pursuing relief that may be available under immigration law. They stress that their client has a long-standing presence in the United States and professional credentials that should weigh in his favor.
The case is drawing broader attention as it raises questions about the intersection of immigration enforcement and freedom of the press, particularly involving journalists from immigrant backgrounds.
ICE has not issued a formal statement on Guevara’s case as of this publication. Further legal proceedings are expected in the coming weeks.
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