2025 Beat Reporting (Large Newsroom) Winner

About the Winner:

Reporter Marcela Rodrigues dedicated her efforts to covering how ICE operations were impacting public schools, using her language skills in Spanish and Portuguese and her ability to gain the trust of vulnerable sources. Through tremendous effort, she was able to cover the intersection of immigration and education with care and empathy.

When a high school junior, Marcelo Gomes, was arrested by ICE on his way to volleyball practice in May, his community in Milford, Mass. was shaken. A star student-athlete, church-goer, beloved in the community. How could he be a target of ICE? As he was in custody, Rodrigues used her Portuguese skills to become the only reporter who forged a relationship with the teen’s family.

Comments From the Judges:

“Excellent example of a reporter who knows the beat, has deep sources and established trust with vulnerable communities. The stories are rich in human details but also clearly explain how federal, state and local issues intersect.”

“Rodrigues has pulled together a masterful palette of stories covering the challenges and joys immigrants are experiencing. I cried as I read her stories. The cover letter makes clear the talent Rodrigues brought to the table, and it’s clear she uses her talents and gifts in framing and crafting these stories. Very, very well done.”

Photo credits: Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe