Mario Guevara Message from Prison on His Birthday

Mario Guevara Turns 48 Behind Bars
Spent 70 Days in Solitary Confinement
Set to Be Deported After 22 Years as a Reporter in the U.S.

Hispanic journalist Mario Guevara, known for his coverage of immigration in Atlanta, Georgia, sent a powerful message from prison this Friday on his 48th birthday, after more than three months in ICE detention.

Mario Guevara Was Detained for Documenting Raids

Guevara was arrested during a protest against immigration raids and claims his detention is politically motivated.

“ICE refuses to release me because I represent a headache for them… a thorn in their side.”

ICE solicita retener a Mario Guevara en prisión tras cobertura en protesta, Mario Guevara cumple 48 años, Mario Guevara Sends a Message from Prison on His Birthday — Mario Guevara Sends a Message from Prison on His Birthday / Photo: Mario Guevara Facebook Screenshot

70 Days in Isolation

He reported spending 70 days in solitary confinement, with lights never turned off, no human contact, and only two hours of sunlight a day.

“I suffered sleep disorders and even reached the point of wishing for death.”

Thanks to a psychologist in Folkston, Mario Guevara managed to cope with severe depression caused by the extreme confinement.

Mario Guevara, periodista, deportación MundoNOW — Mario Guevara Message from Prison – PHOTO: EFE

Mario Guevara Is On the Verge of Deportation

After nearly 22 years working as a reporter in the U.S., Mario Guevara says he will be deported in the coming days.

“I leave with my head held high, but with a broken heart over being separated from my family.”

Asking His Community for Help

In his message, published through MGNews, Mario Guevara also requested financial support as a birthday gift for his family, devastated emotionally and financially by his detention.