Spanish-Language Journalist Mario Guevara Deported: Press Freedom Under Scrutiny

## Overview The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) is a Washington, D.C.–based nonprofit organization dedicated to the recognition and professional advancement of Hispanic and Latino journalists in the United States, Puerto Rico, and 21 other countries[2][3]. Founded in 1984, NAHJ provides a unified national voice for Latino journalists, advocating for their fair treatment in the media, expanding employment and career development opportunities, and fostering greater understanding of the unique cultural identity and concerns of Hispanic journalists[1][2]. ## Mission and Activities NAHJ’s mission is to support Hispanic students, professionals, and educators in journalism by organizing a robust national network, offering professional development, training, and mentorship, and advocating for accurate representation of Latino communities in news media[1][3]. The organization runs more than two dozen professional and student chapters across the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean, with a membership exceeding 4,000 journalists, students, and media professionals[1][3]. NAHJ offers scholarships, internships, workshops, and networking events, and has recently launched palabra, an online platform for freelance members to publish stories on critical topics such as climate change, politics, and culture[3]. ## History and Leadership NAHJ was established in 1984 by a group of journalists seeking to address the underrepresentation and misrepresentation of Latinos in U.S. media[2]. Gerald Garcia, Jr. served as its first president, with subsequent leaders including notable figures like Juan Gonzalez and Evelyn Hernandez, who was the first woman and youngest president at age 28[2]. The organization has grown from 120 founding members to over 4,000 today, reflecting its expanding influence and reach[1][2]. ## Key Achievements and Current Status NAHJ has been instrumental in increasing Latino representation in newsrooms, providing critical resources for career advancement, and advocating for equitable treatment of Hispanic journalists[1][8]. Its advocacy extend

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to defending and expanding civil liberties in the United States. Founded in 1920 during a period of heightened government repression—including the infamous Palmer Raids targeting political dissidents—the ACLU emerged to protect free speech, due process, equal protection, and privacy, especially for groups historically denied these rights[2][4]. Its mission is realized through litigation, legislation, public education, and community outreach, making it a pioneer in public interest law[2][4]. ## History and Founding The ACLU traces its roots to the National Civil Liberties Bureau (NCLB), established in 1917 to support conscientious objectors and anti-war activists during World War I[1][3]. In 1920, Roger Baldwin, Crystal Eastman, and others reorganized the NCLB into the ACLU, broadening its focus beyond wartime dissent to encompass a wide array of civil liberties issues[2][3]. From its inception, the ACLU positioned itself as a nonpartisan defender of constitutional rights, distinct from organizations focused on specific demographics or causes[3]. ## Key Achievements The ACLU has been at the forefront of nearly every major civil liberties battle in U.S. history. Early highlights include defending targets of the Palmer Raids, supporting labor organizers, and securing the release of activists imprisoned for antiwar views[5]. The organization gained national attention with the 1925 Scopes "Monkey" Trial, challenging bans on teaching evolution and spotlighting issues of academic freedom and church-state separation[5][6]. In the mid-20th century, the ACLU played a pivotal role in landmark Supreme Court cases, such as Brown v. Board of Education (1954), which ended school segregation, and Tinker v. Des Moines (1969), affirming students' free speech rights[5]. The ACLU also fought—though not always successfully—against the intern

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), established in 2003 following the Homeland Security Act of 2002. It was created by merging the U.S. Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service to consolidate and strengthen enforcement of laws related to border security, customs, trade, and immigration[1][2][3]. ICE's primary mission is to safeguard national security and public safety by combating illegal immigration, cross-border crime, and threats to the U.S. immigration system. ICE operates three main directorates: Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), which focuses on apprehending and deporting undocumented immigrants; Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which investigates criminal organizations, human trafficking, and smuggling; and the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA), responsible for legal representation in immigration proceedings[1][3]. With an annual budget around $6-8 billion and over 20,000 employees across more than 400 offices worldwide, ICE is one of the largest federal law enforcement agencies[1][2]. Since its formation, ICE has played a central role in U.S. immigration enforcement, especially after the 9/11 attacks emphasized border security. Its efforts expanded significantly during the Trump administration starting in 2025, with increased arrests and deportations of undocumented immigrants, accompanied by a substantial budget increase[3]. However, ICE has been highly controversial, criticized for aggressive enforcement tactics and the treatment of immigrants in detention. Debates about ICE reflect broader national discussions on immigration policy and enforcement balance[1][3]. Notable aspects of ICE include its dual role in immigration enforcement and criminal investigations related to customs and trade violations, making it a key player at the intersection of national security, law enforcement, and immigration policy. Its global footprint and involvement in international investigations highlight its importance beyond U.S. borders[1][2][3].