Charges Dropped for Photojournalist Dave Decker in Miami ICE Protest Case

All criminal charges against freelance photojournalist Dave Decker were dropped after his arrest while covering a protest outside the Krome Service Processing Center, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility near Miami. Decker was detained while documenting the demonstration and charged with obstructing a highway and unlawful assembly, accusations that press freedom advocates said wrongly targeted legitimate newsgathering. Following a review, the State Attorney’s Office concluded that Decker was clearly engaged in journalistic work and dismissed the case. Media rights organizations welcomed the decision as an affirmation of constitutional protections for journalists reporting on protests and matters of public interest. Decker thanked supporters and emphasized the need for reporters to work without fear of arrest while covering demonstrations. The case highlighted ongoing concerns about law enforcement responses to protests and renewed calls for clearer guidelines to prevent journalists from being detained or charged while performing their professional duties safely and independently.