Voto Latino Calls for Journalist Mario Guevara’s Release

His Detainment is an Attack on Immigrant Rights and Free Speech 

Washington, D.C. — Today, Voto Latino called for journalist Mario Guevara’s release. In June, Mario Guevara was detained by local law enforcement in Georgia while covering a “No Kings” rally. He has been in ICE custody for over 100 days despite the dismissal of criminal charges and being legally authorized to work in the U.S. The government is now threatening to deport Mario Guevara to his native El Salvador, where he could face persecution.

Voto Latino issued the following statement: 

“Mario Guevara’s detention should be alarming to all of us. At its core, this is about silencing a journalist for doing his job—holding power to account and informing the public. When the government uses immigration enforcement as a weapon against reporters, it threatens not only immigrant communities but also the very foundation of our democracy.

Freedom of the press is enshrined in our First Amendment, guaranteeing that journalists can report without fear of retaliation. We cannot allow this right to be undermined. 

Voto Latino calls on immigration officials and elected leaders to act immediately to secure Mario’s release and to ensure protections for all journalists who risk their safety to keep the public informed. No one should fear deportation or punishment for telling the truth.”

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Voto Latino is a civic advocacy organization dedicated to educating and empowering the next generation of Latino voters while working to build a more inclusive and representative democracy. Since its founding, Voto Latino has registered nearly two million voters. In 2024, the organization took legal action to protect voting rights, filing multiple lawsuits in Texas, Arizona, and North Carolina to safeguard access to the ballot ahead of the elections.