“They Deported Me Like a Criminal”: Mario Guevara Tells Jorge Ramos His Truth (VIDEO)

Unjust arrest of journalist Mario Guevara

ICE ignores press freedom

Deportation after peaceful protest

The Salvadoran journalist Mario Guevara spent more than 100 days detained in the United States, despite a judge dismissing all charges against him.

His case has sparked alarm among press freedom advocates, highlighting the growing risks for reporters covering immigration enforcement and protests.

Guevara, widely known for documenting ICE raids and immigrant struggles, was arrested on June 14, 2025, while livestreaming a “No Kings” protest outside ICE offices in Atlanta, Georgia.

He wore a press vest and visible credentials when federal agents detained him — something he later recounted in his interview with Jorge Ramos on Así veo las cosas.

“They Deported Me Like a Criminal” — Mario Guevara Speaks Out

APOPA (El Salvador), Oct. 3, 2025 – Journalist Mario Guevara reacts after his deportation.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the action, calling it “a shameful erosion of press freedom in the United States.”
(Photo: EFE / Rodrigo Sura)

Although the presiding judge cleared his name and ordered his release, Guevara remained in federal custody for over three months.

Then, he was deported to El Salvador, his native country.

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During that period, he was believed to be the only journalist detained by the U.S. government.

This drew condemnation from human rights groups and press organizations.

“The System Failed Me Completely”

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) stated that “journalists should not fear government retaliation.”

“The treatment of Mario should concern anyone who values freedom of the press.”

The statement stressed that the reporter’s arrest and prolonged detention set a dangerous precedent for democracy and coverage of immigration issues.

During his interview with Jorge Ramos, Mario revealed that he was told he was deported for being “an illegal person.”

“I’ve always had a work permit over the last two decades, and I entered the country with a visa,” Guevara said.

“Everything failed me — the judges, ICE — and I lost every appeal. We achieved nothing; we realize the U.S. justice system is worse than ever,” he added.

Likewise, he revealed that a judge had granted his immediate release, but ICE refused, and that was when he was transferred to immigration custody.

Why Was Mario Guevara Detained?

Then, Mario Guevara breaks his silence and explains the reasons he believes he was detained:

“My theory is they didn’t like my reporting in Spanish. I wasn’t the only reporter there, but I was the only one speaking Spanish,” he says.

He even mentions that he had already been restrained by a migration agent, but when he said he was press, he was released immediately.

“That live video I was recording was deleted. I think that’s a violation of freedom of the press. It was an attack on freedom of expression,” Mario said.

Lastly, Mario Guevara reveals his plans for the future and a possible return to the United States.

“My adjustment process is still pending; my lawyer says we’re still going to fight. They’re going to try to reverse it because I was deported unjustly.”

“ICE kept offering me voluntary departure: ‘Sign and you’ll go, and if you don’t sign, you’ll stay a long time in jail,’ officers warned me twice,” he says.

“They deported me like a criminal — shackled hand and foot. I only slept four hours; I didn’t eat for two days. I’m no longer in danger in El Salvador,” Mario said.