Update: Police respond after arrest of Spanish-Language Journalist
By Nick Valencia
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Hours ago a popular Spanish-language journalist was detained by riot police Saturday while covering a protest against former President Donald Trump in DeKalb County, raising fresh questions about press freedom and police response at demonstrations.
Mario Guevara, an independent journalist with nearly 800,000 followers on social media, was live-streaming the “No Kings” protest when he was taken into custody. Video of the incident, captured mid-broadcast, shows officers in tactical gear surrounding Guevara, placing his hands behind his back, and confiscating his phone. Despite the physical seizure of his device, the livestream continued for several moments after the arrest, capturing the confusion and tension on the ground.
Guevara’s supporters say he was clearly identified as a journalist and that he was actively documenting the event rather than participating in the protest. His arrest has sparked outrage among press freedom advocates and raised concerns about the treatment of reporters covering civil unrest.
“Earlier today, protestors entered Chamblee Tucker Road and attempted to march towards the interstate ramp, creating a dangerous situation for both demonstrators and motorists,” the DeKalb County Police Department said in a written statement.
“Officers issued multiple lawful commands for protestors to return to the sidewalk. When those commands were not followed, additional law enforcement support was called in, including the Georgia State Patrol and DeKalb County Police Department’s Tactical Response Team. To prevent further escalation and ensure public safety, gas munitions were deployed, and several arrests were made.”
Officials confirmed at least eight arrests as of 5:00 p.mEt Saturday, but did not provide names or specify whether credentialed media were among those taken into custody.
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson issued her own statement, defending the police response.
“The right to protest is fundamental and respected in DeKalb County,” Cochran-Johnson said. “But when a protest shifts from peaceful and law-abiding to one that threatens public safety and disregards lawful orders, I trust our officers to respond appropriately. Our duty is to protect both the rights of individuals and the wellbeing of the broader community.”
The demonstration was part of a larger national protest movement targeting Trump campaign events, immigration enforcement, and law enforcement funding initiatives. Protesters had planned to disrupt access to major roadways, a tactic law enforcement viewed as a potential safety hazard.
Guevara’s status following the incident remains unclear. Advocates and colleagues have demanded his immediate release and for police to return his equipment and footage.
DeKalb County officials say they remain committed to allowing demonstrations “to occur safely and lawfully,” and emphasized the importance of “respectful dialogue, peaceful expression, and cooperation with public safety directives.”