Mario Guevara Sends Message From Prison, Claims He’s a Victim of Persecution

Mario Guevara Claims Persecution From Prison

Asks President Nayib Bukele for Help

ICE Holds Him Despite Dropped Local Charges

Salvadoran journalist Mario Guevara has stated from a federal prison in Atlanta that he is “a victim of a type of persecution” for covering immigration raids in the United States. He has called on the president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, to intervene on his behalf.

Message Published by MG News

The Facebook page of MG News, the digital outlet owned by Mario Guevara, shared a message from the journalist on Monday confirming that he has been transferred to the Federal Correctional Institution in Atlanta.

“Through this message, I appeal to the Government of El Salvador, particularly to President Nayib Bukele, to please intervene for me with the U.S. Government, as I am a victim of a type of persecution for having carried out my journalistic work covering street operations,” the message reads.

Mario Guevara Sends Message from Prison

Mario Guevara Describes His Transfer and Denied Bail

Guevara states that a judge granted him bail, but the prosecutor in the case appealed:

“That privilege has been denied to me.”

He also reports having been moved through five jails in three weeks and expresses fear about a possible deportation attempt:

“I’ve been in the United States for nearly 22 years. I’ve never been arrested before. In these three weeks, I’ve been in five jails, and I believe the government is planning to tarnish my record to deport me as if I were a criminal…”

Mario Guevara Claims “Persecution” From Prison and Seeks Bukele’s Help / Photo: EFE

Mario Guevara: Father, Journalist, and Worker

“I’m about to complete a month in jail, and I need to get out so I can continue my life, keep working, and support my family,” said Guevara.

He emphasized that he has paid taxes, has no criminal record either in the U.S. or El Salvador, and has a son with special needs who relies on his care.

Mario Guevara Sends Message From Prison and Seeks Bukele’s Help / Photo: Screenshot Facebook Mario Guevara

Arrest and Immigration Proceedings

Mario Guevara was arrested on June 14 in DeKalb County while covering a protest against Donald Trump and immigration operations. Although the local charges were dropped, ICE has kept him in custody because he does not hold permanent residency, despite having a work permit.

Since then, he has been moved through several detention centers, arriving this Monday in Atlanta.

Final Clarification

Mario Guevara’s message concludes:

“The publication was made by one of my collaborators on my professional page. I clarify this to avoid any misunderstanding or accusation related to possessing or bringing cell phones or other prohibited items into detention centers.”

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