The journalist who was arrested and detained by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in DeKalb County faces new charges out of Gwinnett.
According to the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) Mario Guevara “compromised operational integrity” and jeopardized the safety of “victims of the case, investigators, and Gwinnett County residents.”
Guevara is known for documenting immigration raids and will face deportation proceedings following his arrest on charges of obstructing police and unlawful assembly covering a weekend protest outside of Atlanta.
Guevara’s attorney, Giovanni Diaz, said that his client was just doing his job and committed no crime when police arrested him.
DeKalb County officials said at least eight people were arrested during Saturday’s demonstration, with police using tear gas to turn away protesters marching toward an interstate onramp. Guevara was the only reporter arrested.
According to the Associated Press, Guevara’s video shows him standing on a sidewalk with other journalists right before he’s arrested.
Gwinnett has charged Guevara with three misdemeanor charges including distracted driving, failure to obey a traffic control device, and reckless driving.
Officials said he is not currently in the custody of GCSO and the investigation is ongoing.
In a separate message, Gwinnett County Sheriff Keybo Taylor said they are “dedicated to prioritizing the safety and well-being of all.”
“We recognize the toll that recent events across the country have taken on individuals, families, and communities. We want our residents to know we hear you, we see you, and we care,” the statement read. “Our stance has not changed, we remain steadfast in upholding the law.”
The Committee to Protect Journalists has condemned Guevara’s arrest, calling it an erosion of press freedom.
Previously, ICE worked with Guevara’s lawyer to close a case in 2012 ordering his family to leave the country without deporting anyone. Now, his status in the country remains in limbo for the time being.
