Press Freedom Groups Demand Release of Detained Nicaraguan Journalist

Galeano, who fled Nicaragua eight years ago following a police raid on his news organization, was taken into custody by ICE agents on Monday. The detention occurs despite his legal entry into the United States in 2018 and an ongoing asylum application. He currently holds a valid work permit and a Social Security number.

Nora Benavidez, senior counsel at Free Press, described the arrest as a "horrifying" escalation in the treatment of immigrant journalists. Critics argue that such actions threaten the free flow of information and deter reporters from holding power accountable. Beyond domestic advocacy, the situation has drawn international attention; Edith Rodríguez Cachera of Reporters Without Borders Spain has urged the Spanish government to intervene, noting that Galeano also holds Spanish citizenship.

Family and colleagues remain deeply concerned about the prospect of repatriation. His wife, Deykell Santamaría, confirmed she has maintained contact but remains terrified for his safety, while friend Javier Melendez characterized the potential deportation as a "death sentence." The detention has also prompted rare bipartisan concern in Congress, with U.S. Representatives María Elvira Salazar and Mario Díaz-Balart suggesting that federal authorities must differentiate between common criminals and political exiles.