Deported Journalist’s Chilling Warning to Peers

An Emmy Award-winning Atlanta journalist, Mario Guevara, recently voiced a profound concern that while he might have been “the first” immigrant reporter deported from the U.S. during the Trump administration’s tenure, he harbors a strong belief that he “won’t be the only one.” Speaking from El Salvador, where he was sent on October 3rd, Guevara issued a stark admonition to his immigrant colleagues in the media sector, describing federal immigration agents as “very aggressive” and dismissive of the press.

“Just be careful because [immigration agents are] very aggressive,” Guevara cautioned during a virtual interview with the US Freedom of the Press Tracker. Asked if he had a message for other immigrant journalists, he painted a grim picture of official attitudes toward the media. “They showed they are – they don’t care about journalists. They don’t believe in the media.”

A Press Under Scrutiny

Guevara elaborated on what he perceived as a hostile environment for reporting. “They believe the media [are] against them. They see the media as an an enemy… They have the power. They can do everything they want. It can be dangerous for us,” he stated, highlighting a pervasive sentiment of antagonism he experienced. This chilling assessment marks his most comprehensive public commentary to date regarding his case, which concluded with his deportation amid a relentless federal immigration crackdown pursued throughout the Trump presidency.

The veteran journalist, known for his objective reporting, suggested that even impartial coverage could be misconstrued. “We are journalists – we try to be objective, but sometimes we have to report what is going on,” Guevara told Briana Erickson of the Tracker. “They can think we are against them even if it’s not true. You can have retaliation for that. That was my case. Probably I was the first one – but I don’t think [I’ll] be the only one.”

Echoes of Concern: Another Journalist Detained

Guevara’s apprehension was underscored by a separate incident just three days after his interview. British journalist Sami Hamdi was detained by federal immigration authorities at San Francisco International Airport on Sunday. A Trump administration official indicated that Hamdi faced deportation following his detention and the revocation of his visa. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) swiftly condemned the action, alleging it was retaliatory, stemming from the Muslim political commentator’s criticisms of Israel during his U.S. tour.

Guevara’s Background and Deportation

For over two decades, Mario Guevara was a familiar and respected figure in the Atlanta area’s journalistic landscape. He initially sought refuge in the United States in 2004, fleeing El Salvador to escape the violence perpetrated by leftist militias. Despite possessing a valid work permit, his long-standing presence and contributions to local media did not prevent his removal from the country. His deportation on October 3rd, a culmination of the stringent immigration policies, sent a clear message to other immigrant professionals.

Guevara’s experience and subsequent warning serve as a potent reminder of the escalating pressures faced by immigrant journalists operating within the United States. His fears of further deportations highlight a broader concern for press freedom and the ability of reporters to cover sensitive topics without facing professional repercussions, underscoring a period of heightened vulnerability for media professionals with immigrant backgrounds.

Source: The Guardian