In a significant legal battle over press freedoms, the US District Court for the Southern District of Georgia is currently reviewing a habeas corpus petition for the release of Spanish-language journalist Mario Guevara from ICE custody. Filed on Wednesday, the petition alleges that Guevara’s detention is a retaliatory act against his protected journalistic activities.

Mario Guevara, an established journalist who has been legally residing in the US since 2004 and is the founder of Atlanta-based MG News, was arrested on June 14 during a live broadcast of a "No Kings" protest in DeKalb County. Originally from El Salvador, Guevara sought refuge in the US two decades ago after facing harassment and violence due to his journalistic work.

At the time of his arrest, Guevara was clearly identified as a member of the press, donned in a vest marked 'PRESS.' While initial misdemeanor charges against him were dropped, an immigration judge had previously set a bond of $7,500 on July 1. Despite this, ICE has continued his detention, appealing against the bond grant by labeling his live reporting as a community threat.

The ACLU of Georgia has stepped in, with their legal director, Cory Isaacson, asserting, “Journalism is not a threat to the community, it is fundamental to our democracy." Isaacson emphasized that Guevara, like other journalists, plays a vital role in serving the state through his reporting and should not be imprisoned for exercising his First Amendment rights.

During the latest court session on Wednesday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Benjamin Cheesbro called for further legal briefs from both parties to determine if there is a statutory basis to continue Guevara's ICE detention.

Outside the courthouse, Guevara’s son, Oscar, expressed his family's distress over the ongoing uncertainty, stating, “That’s not good news or bad news. It’s just more waiting…I just want my dad out.”

The case has drawn significant attention to the challenges faced by journalists under immigration enforcement and the broader implications for press freedom and First Amendment rights in the United States. As the court deliberates further, many await to see if justice will uphold the vital role of free press in a democratic society.