Atlanta News First

09/22/2025

Mario Guevara, the Hispanic journalist who has been detained by federal immigration officials since June 14, has released a statement ahead of his pending deportation.

Guevara was detained while covering a protest in DeKalb County. He was subsequently transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.

Here is Guevara’s entire letter:

“Today, Monday, marks 100 days behind bars, more than three months locked up as a criminal. I’m aware of my legal status; I know I’m about to be expelled from this country, which I’ve loved and respected so much for more than two decades. Life isn’t always fair. If they deport me, I’ll leave with my head held high, because I’m convinced it will be for carrying out my journalistic work and not for committing crimes.

“Of course, I’m leaving with a broken heart and my dignity trampled, because I’ve been humiliated by both federal and local authorities, and I don’t believe I deserve it. Also, because they’ll divide my family, which is what I love most in life, although all my loved ones know it’s all because of my passion for my work.

“The Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag says in part: ‘With liberty and justice for all.’ That’s a fallacy right now. They should add ‘except for immigrants.’

“May God grant that one day, not too far away, love and mercy will overcome the racial hatred that is dividing this beautiful nation, and may the American people understand that calling oneself a Christian includes respect and support for foreigners. At least that’s what my Bible says.

“I apologize to my family for having caused them so much pain with my reckless work practices. I also apologize to the U.S. justice system because I violated some of their traffic rules, but it was never with bad intentions or a bad heart. I thank my Latino community for always supporting me, and I thank the clients of MGNews for trusting me and my team.

“THANK YOU. God is never wrong and is always in control, so I trust that wherever I go, I will continue serving my people. Blessings.”