Televisa Journalists Released After More Than Two Months Under House Arrest in South Africa

Two Mexican journalists working for TelevisaUnivision's sports division TUDN have been released by South African authorities after spending more than two months under house arrest following their arrest during a reporting trip connected to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Sports reporter Julio Ibáñez, widely known to Mexican soccer fans as "El Profe," and cameraman Daniel García were freed Tuesday after appearing before a court in Johannesburg for a fourth hearing related to their March arrest. A judge returned their passports, clearing the way for the pair to return to Mexico on June 3, according to Televisa.

"The nightmare is over. Goodbye South Africa. Thanks family, friends and our home TelevisaUnivision," wrote Ibañez on X. "Daniel arcía and I are ready. World Coup here we come!"

The journalists were detained on March 19 while filming content in South Africa ahead of the World Cup. Mexico is scheduled to face South Africa in one of the tournament's early matches, and the TUDN crew was producing background reports on the country's national team and culture.

Their arrest quickly became an international story after a livestream video circulated online showing armed officers entering a hotel room while Ibáñez was broadcasting on social media. In the footage, a visibly startled Ibáñez can be heard asking in English, "What's happening?" before the transmission abruptly ends.

South African authorities later said the investigation began after two drones were spotted flying over a Jewish educational institution in Johannesburg's Sandringham area. Concerned observers reported the activity to local security officials, who alerted police and the elite Hawks crime-fighting unit. Investigators subsequently traced the drone operators to a hotel in Rosebank and arrested the two journalists.

Authorities initially examined possible terrorism and espionage concerns, allegations that generated alarm in both South Africa and Mexico. However, during a hearing on May 27, a judge dismissed those accusations, leaving the case centered on alleged violations of South Africa's Civil Aviation Act involving unauthorized drone operations.

After spending six days in jail, Ibáñez and García were released on bail but ordered to remain under house arrest while the investigation continued. According to South African authorities, each journalist posted bail of 10,000 rand, approximately $600. Their electronic equipment was seized as part of the inquiry.

The case sparked concern across Mexico's journalism community. Broadcasters, sports commentators and media organizations publicly called for the pair's release. Questions were also raised about whether Mexican diplomats were providing sufficient assistance after reports emerged that the journalists remained stranded in South Africa for weeks. Mexico's embassy in Pretoria repeatedly stated that it was providing legal and consular support throughout the process.

Following Tuesday's ruling, Televisa issued a statement thanking Mexican authorities, media organizations and soccer fans who followed the case. The company confirmed that both men would return home immediately to reunite with their families.

For Ibañez, whose coverage of Club América and Mexico's national team has made him a familiar face to soccer audiences, the ruling brings an end to a 74-day ordeal that began with a routine World Cup assignment and evolved into one of the most unusual international incidents involving Mexican journalists in recent years.