• Press Release

Journalist Mario Guevara Should be Freed, not Deported

September 24, 2025

reporter mario guevara holding a mic
(Miguel Martinez / Atlanta Journal-Constitution )

In response to the Board of Immigration Appeals issuing a final removal order for journalist Mario Guevara, Amnesty International USA’s Executive Director Paul O’Brien said: 

“The decision to issue a final removal order, authorizing the deportation of journalist Mario Guevara is deeply troubling. His human rights have already been violated by his ongoing detention, including prolonged solitary confinement. He was arrested while wearing press credentials and covering a protest.  

“Mario Guevara’s arbitrary detainment, and now imminent threat of deportation, sends a chilling message: that journalists can be silenced, detained, and even deported for their reporting work. This is yet another disturbing display of the Trump administration’s authoritarian practices and its ongoing attacks on immigrants, freedom of expression, and the free press. 

“The U.S. government should immediately release Mario Guevara.” 

Background 

Since his arrest on June 14, 2025, all charges against Mario Guevara have been dropped. Despite this, ICE detained him. On July 1, 2025, an immigration judge ruled that Mr. Guevara be released on bond. ICE appealed this ruling. Now, an immigration judge has ordered his final removal. 

Amnesty International and its members have advocated for his release through the organization’s Urgent Action Network. 

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