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Immigrant Troops

Jose Francisco Lopez holds his military uniform at the Deported Veterans Support House. Lopez was recruited into the U.S. Army in 1967 without speaking any English. After two years of service during the Vietnam War, he was honorably discharged and awarded four bronze stars. Lopez was deported in 2003 at 60 years old and did not know there were others like him until he got connected with the support house in Tijuana, Mexico. “When I was deported, I felt so much shame,” said Lopez. “I almost gave my life in Vietnam, and now they just throw me away like garbage.”

Immigrant Troops

Army veteran Ricardo Muñoz poses for a portrait on at the Deported Veterans Support House in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Munoz was honorably discharged from the United States Army after serving for just over three years. He currently has humanitarian parole for health care access. Muñoz was deported in 2007 after serving 18 months in federal prison. “When we signed, we declare where our loyalty is,” Munoz said. “So I asked the lawmakers in the country, where is your loyalty to your veterans?”

Immigrant Troops

Jose Francisco Lopez manages the Deported Veterans Support House is Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Lopez helps U.S. veterans find community after being deported, and gives assistance to those seeking VA resources our humanitarian parole. During the immigration crackdown under the second Trump Administration, Lopez is trying to connect with people living this experience even more.

I reported on Lopez and multiple veterans who are connected to the support house alongside two other journalists during the 2025 Carnegie-Knight News21 Fellowship. This story was republished by notable news outlets such as the Associated Press and Mother Jones. 

A Walk For Immigrant's Rights

Protesters marched along the side of California roads to advocate for immigrants rights and push back against the second Trump Administration. I walked with these marchers for three days and 40 miles to learn their stories and capture their journey. 

I wrote and produced a photo story from this experience for the 2025 News21 project "Upheaval". 

No Kings in L.A.

On June 14, 2025, tens of thousands of people gathered around the United States for the No Kings protest movement. I reported on the protest in Los Angeles where the community was already facing crackdowns from law enforcement and military the week prior. 

These photos were featured as a part of a photo essay about the nationwide movement on the 2025 News21 project "Upheaval".  

Bene Vivendo

Emily Heller is a journalist turned small-scale farmer in Phoenix who partners with the Arizona Sustainability Alliance to teach community members about sustainable farming. Help-A-Farm volunteers and local farmers maintain a mutually beneficial relationship to support the local food system and build community. 

I wrote and produced this photo story for Cronkite News. 

Cheering for a Better Future

Djihad "Urbansong" founded the first cheerleading team in Rwanda pushing against cultural norms and providing a safe space for young women. Through the club dance and cheerleading teams, he teaches children about substance abuse and sexual health. His team travels to schools in rural areas of Rwanda to give workshops to students who do not have access to the arts. 

I followed Djihad and his team over the course of three weeks to cover their story.