Melissa Gomez
@melissagomez.bsky.social
Covering immigration at the Los Angeles Times| A veces hablo español | Florida native | Journalism ain't dead. Chill. hmu: melissa.gomez@latimes.com
Pinned
Melissa Gomez
@melissagomez.bsky.social
· Nov 13
Melissa Gomez - Los Angeles Times
Melissa Gomez is an enterprise reporter on the State Team who joined the Los Angeles Times in 2018.
www.latimes.com
Hello! I’m a reporter at the Los Angeles Times. I’ll be posting my work and share my colleagues’ work here - you can find my stories here:
www.latimes.com/people/melis...
www.latimes.com/people/melis...
“Because all the bees are girls, worker bees are girls, I say, ‘Girls, you’re going to be on the news tonight,’” Nicholas said. “Or I’ll say, ‘Girls, how are you doing this morning?’ I just want to give them a heads-up.”
a great read by @tarantulaarms.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
a great read by @tarantulaarms.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
California city tried to stamp out 10-year-old’s beehive project. Saving the bees was a lesson in love
Before he goes out for lacrosse games, it's tradition that he has a spoonful of honey. Also, perhaps not coincidentally given what happened later, he gets a kick out of seeing tiny insects work togeth...
www.latimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:12 PM
“Because all the bees are girls, worker bees are girls, I say, ‘Girls, you’re going to be on the news tonight,’” Nicholas said. “Or I’ll say, ‘Girls, how are you doing this morning?’ I just want to give them a heads-up.”
a great read by @tarantulaarms.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
a great read by @tarantulaarms.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
“Union baristas mean business and are ready to do whatever it takes to win a fair contract,” Eisen said in a statement. “If Starbucks keeps stonewalling, they should expect to see their business grind to a halt. The ball is in Starbucks’ court.”
www.latimes.com/business/sto...
www.latimes.com/business/sto...
Unionized Starbucks baristas prepared to strike next week amid lengthy contract standoff
Unionized Starbucks baristas have voted overwhelmingly to authorize their leaders to call a strike as soon as next week if they don't see real progress in contract talks.
www.latimes.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:07 PM
“Union baristas mean business and are ready to do whatever it takes to win a fair contract,” Eisen said in a statement. “If Starbucks keeps stonewalling, they should expect to see their business grind to a halt. The ball is in Starbucks’ court.”
www.latimes.com/business/sto...
www.latimes.com/business/sto...
“If you’re thinking, ‘Alessandro’s giving up,’ look deeper. I am choosing freedom. For the first time, I feel unshackled from the expectations of waiting.”
beautiful read by my colleague Andrea Castillo
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
beautiful read by my colleague Andrea Castillo
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
For this undocumented activist, returning to Mexico wasn’t exile. It was liberation
Hector Alessandro Negrete was brought to the U.S. from Mexico as an infant. When President Trump began his second term, Negrete decided to leave L.A. for Mexico.
www.latimes.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:26 PM
“If you’re thinking, ‘Alessandro’s giving up,’ look deeper. I am choosing freedom. For the first time, I feel unshackled from the expectations of waiting.”
beautiful read by my colleague Andrea Castillo
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
beautiful read by my colleague Andrea Castillo
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Reposted by Melissa Gomez
Many of you have been watching our contract fight at the L.A. Times and asking how to help. Now's the time.
Tell our managers that you'll honor the picket line if negotiations drag to a point where we're forced to call a strike. You can sign here:
actionnetwork.org/petitions/st...
Tell our managers that you'll honor the picket line if negotiations drag to a point where we're forced to call a strike. You can sign here:
actionnetwork.org/petitions/st...
Support Los Angeles Times journalists fighting for a fair contract
The newsroom staff of the Los Angeles Times, represented by Media Guild of the West (NewsGuild-CWA 39213), has been bargaining a new union contract for more than 18 months. In that time, the company h...
actionnetwork.org
October 29, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Many of you have been watching our contract fight at the L.A. Times and asking how to help. Now's the time.
Tell our managers that you'll honor the picket line if negotiations drag to a point where we're forced to call a strike. You can sign here:
actionnetwork.org/petitions/st...
Tell our managers that you'll honor the picket line if negotiations drag to a point where we're forced to call a strike. You can sign here:
actionnetwork.org/petitions/st...
“The planet’s vital signs are flashing red,” the scientists wrote in their annual report on the state of the climate. “The window to prevent the worst outcomes is rapidly closing.”
Humanity is on path toward ‘climate chaos,’ scientists warn, by @ianjames.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/environment/...
Humanity is on path toward ‘climate chaos,’ scientists warn, by @ianjames.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/environment/...
Humanity is on path toward 'climate chaos,' scientists warn
Global use of fossil fuels rose to a new record last year, releasing even more greenhouse gases. Humanity is 'hurtling toward climate chaos,' scientists warn.
www.latimes.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:29 PM
“The planet’s vital signs are flashing red,” the scientists wrote in their annual report on the state of the climate. “The window to prevent the worst outcomes is rapidly closing.”
Humanity is on path toward ‘climate chaos,’ scientists warn, by @ianjames.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/environment/...
Humanity is on path toward ‘climate chaos,’ scientists warn, by @ianjames.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/environment/...
Reposted by Melissa Gomez
quoted for truth:
‘“Since the fire, I most relate to other people who also experienced it,” Pedersen said.’
🎯💯
‘“Since the fire, I most relate to other people who also experienced it,” Pedersen said.’
🎯💯
In Altadena, a grassroots dining club to help restaurants has grown to more than 1,300 online followers, helping local businesses while giving neighbors a chance to meet and discuss recovery from the Eaton fire. my latest -->
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Restaurants that survived the Eaton fire are struggling. This club hopes to change that
The Altadena Dining Club was formed to help local restaurants stay afloat after the Eaton fire, while simultaneously bringing neighbors together to discuss the recovery.
www.latimes.com
October 29, 2025 at 6:28 AM
quoted for truth:
‘“Since the fire, I most relate to other people who also experienced it,” Pedersen said.’
🎯💯
‘“Since the fire, I most relate to other people who also experienced it,” Pedersen said.’
🎯💯
Reposted by Melissa Gomez
"Human-caused climate warming is making all of Melissa’s dangers worse." weather.com/science/weat...
Climate Change Fuels More Powerful Storms Like Melissa | Weather.com
As Hurricane Melissa moves across Jamaica, climate scientists are saying storms are becoming stronger. Here's why.
weather.com
October 28, 2025 at 4:27 PM
"Human-caused climate warming is making all of Melissa’s dangers worse." weather.com/science/weat...
In Altadena, a grassroots dining club to help restaurants has grown to more than 1,300 online followers, helping local businesses while giving neighbors a chance to meet and discuss recovery from the Eaton fire. my latest -->
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Restaurants that survived the Eaton fire are struggling. This club hopes to change that
The Altadena Dining Club was formed to help local restaurants stay afloat after the Eaton fire, while simultaneously bringing neighbors together to discuss the recovery.
www.latimes.com
October 28, 2025 at 4:45 PM
In Altadena, a grassroots dining club to help restaurants has grown to more than 1,300 online followers, helping local businesses while giving neighbors a chance to meet and discuss recovery from the Eaton fire. my latest -->
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by Melissa Gomez
“Inside, I didn’t see criminals. I saw humble people, like me.”
On Monday, Emma De Paz, a street vendor who was picked up during an immigration raid on June 19, came home. Her family and friends surrounded her, giving her hugs and flowers. She was adamant about speaking up about harsh conditions at Adelanto Detention Center.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
ICE nabbed this L.A. grandma four months ago. This week she was reunited with family
Emma De Paz, 58, was among the street vendors detained in June when federal immigration agents swept through the Home Depot in Hollywood.
www.latimes.com
October 23, 2025 at 3:17 AM
“Inside, I didn’t see criminals. I saw humble people, like me.”
“It’s offensive that they would target an 11th grader for arrest and removal when he has done nothing other than follow the rules here.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/24/n...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/24/n...
A Woman Self-Deported, Hoping to Shield Her Son. He Was Detained Anyway.
www.nytimes.com
October 24, 2025 at 5:14 PM
“It’s offensive that they would target an 11th grader for arrest and removal when he has done nothing other than follow the rules here.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/24/n...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/24/n...
On Monday, Emma De Paz, a street vendor who was picked up during an immigration raid on June 19, came home. Her family and friends surrounded her, giving her hugs and flowers. She was adamant about speaking up about harsh conditions at Adelanto Detention Center.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
ICE nabbed this L.A. grandma four months ago. This week she was reunited with family
Emma De Paz, 58, was among the street vendors detained in June when federal immigration agents swept through the Home Depot in Hollywood.
www.latimes.com
October 22, 2025 at 4:29 PM
On Monday, Emma De Paz, a street vendor who was picked up during an immigration raid on June 19, came home. Her family and friends surrounded her, giving her hugs and flowers. She was adamant about speaking up about harsh conditions at Adelanto Detention Center.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by Melissa Gomez
Justice Brett Kavanaugh: “If the officers learn that the individual they stopped is a U.S. citizen...they promptly let the individual go."
The reality: Americans have been dragged, tackled, beaten, tased and shot by immigration agents.
A must read from the very talented @nicolefoy.bsky.social:
The reality: Americans have been dragged, tackled, beaten, tased and shot by immigration agents.
A must read from the very talented @nicolefoy.bsky.social:
More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents. They’ve Been Kicked, Dragged and Detained for Days.
The government does not track how often immigration agents grab citizens. So ProPublica did. Our tally — almost certainly incomplete — includes people who were held for days without a lawyer. And near...
www.propublica.org
October 16, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Justice Brett Kavanaugh: “If the officers learn that the individual they stopped is a U.S. citizen...they promptly let the individual go."
The reality: Americans have been dragged, tackled, beaten, tased and shot by immigration agents.
A must read from the very talented @nicolefoy.bsky.social:
The reality: Americans have been dragged, tackled, beaten, tased and shot by immigration agents.
A must read from the very talented @nicolefoy.bsky.social:
Reposted by Melissa Gomez
Before a federal judge in California blocked the Trump administration from using the shutdown to slash federal jobs, she repeatedly questioned why the government's attorney was unprepared to defend the merits of those actions.
Read more here: www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Read more here: www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
October 16, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Before a federal judge in California blocked the Trump administration from using the shutdown to slash federal jobs, she repeatedly questioned why the government's attorney was unprepared to defend the merits of those actions.
Read more here: www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Read more here: www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
What is going on here?? Indiana University's Media School dean fired a faculty member who refused to censor the student newspaper when asked. Now the University has cut its print edition.
"Telling us what we can and cannot print is unlawful censorship."
www.idsnews.com/article/2025...
"Telling us what we can and cannot print is unlawful censorship."
www.idsnews.com/article/2025...
LETTER FROM THE EDITORS: IU fires student media director after he refused to censor the IDS
Indiana University directed the IDS to stop printing news.
www.idsnews.com
October 15, 2025 at 8:27 PM
What is going on here?? Indiana University's Media School dean fired a faculty member who refused to censor the student newspaper when asked. Now the University has cut its print edition.
"Telling us what we can and cannot print is unlawful censorship."
www.idsnews.com/article/2025...
"Telling us what we can and cannot print is unlawful censorship."
www.idsnews.com/article/2025...
Reposted by Melissa Gomez
the 40th anniversary of the killing of Alex Odeh, a prominent Palestinian American activist, fell over the weekend. he was killed in a bombing of the Santa Ana office where he worked. the case remains unsolved. i wrote about it w/ @gsanroman2.bsky.social www.latimes.com/california/s...
A Palestinian American activist was killed in Santa Ana 40 years ago. The case remains unsolved
Alex Odeh’s murder remains unsolved 40 years later. To many Palestinians and other Arabs in Southern California, his death serves as a grim reminder of the discrimination the community has faced.
www.latimes.com
October 15, 2025 at 7:13 PM
the 40th anniversary of the killing of Alex Odeh, a prominent Palestinian American activist, fell over the weekend. he was killed in a bombing of the Santa Ana office where he worked. the case remains unsolved. i wrote about it w/ @gsanroman2.bsky.social www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by Melissa Gomez
The @chicago.suntimes.com photographer who risked their personal health and safety to take this photograph is Anthony Vazquez. Please credit photographers and media outlets. In this age of misinformation, a photo with no context could be anything at all.
Please remind us who the domestic terrorists are again.
October 15, 2025 at 12:16 AM
The @chicago.suntimes.com photographer who risked their personal health and safety to take this photograph is Anthony Vazquez. Please credit photographers and media outlets. In this age of misinformation, a photo with no context could be anything at all.
Reposted by Melissa Gomez
My union—the LA Times Guild—has authorized a strike with the support of 85% of our membership.
This comes after years of brutal layoffs and no cost-of-living raises since 2021.
Next up: we bargain. But if we have to strike, we will 🪧
laist.com/news/la-time...
This comes after years of brutal layoffs and no cost-of-living raises since 2021.
Next up: we bargain. But if we have to strike, we will 🪧
laist.com/news/la-time...
LA Times union votes to authorize strike for first time ever
The L.A. Times Guild has been negotiating over their contract with management for three years.
laist.com
October 9, 2025 at 8:44 PM
My union—the LA Times Guild—has authorized a strike with the support of 85% of our membership.
This comes after years of brutal layoffs and no cost-of-living raises since 2021.
Next up: we bargain. But if we have to strike, we will 🪧
laist.com/news/la-time...
This comes after years of brutal layoffs and no cost-of-living raises since 2021.
Next up: we bargain. But if we have to strike, we will 🪧
laist.com/news/la-time...
Reposted by Melissa Gomez
October 9, 2025 at 7:55 PM
proud of my union, today and forever 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
"An overwhelming majority of Los Angeles Times journalists have voted to authorize their union’s leaders to call a strike if such a step is necessary to reach a new contract."
www.mediaguildwest.org/news/la-time...
"An overwhelming majority of Los Angeles Times journalists have voted to authorize their union’s leaders to call a strike if such a step is necessary to reach a new contract."
www.mediaguildwest.org/news/la-time...
L.A. Times journalists vote to authorize newsroom’s first open-ended strike — Media Guild of the West
Eighty-five percent of the Los Angeles Times Guild, the union that represents reporters, editors, designers, photographers and other journalists at the West Coast’s largest newspaper, voted this week ...
www.mediaguildwest.org
October 9, 2025 at 8:14 PM
proud of my union, today and forever 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
"An overwhelming majority of Los Angeles Times journalists have voted to authorize their union’s leaders to call a strike if such a step is necessary to reach a new contract."
www.mediaguildwest.org/news/la-time...
"An overwhelming majority of Los Angeles Times journalists have voted to authorize their union’s leaders to call a strike if such a step is necessary to reach a new contract."
www.mediaguildwest.org/news/la-time...
"The Rev. David Black stood in front of a Chicago-area U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility and spread his arms wide.
But when Black began to lower his arms a few seconds later, the agents responded to his spiritual plea by firing pepper balls."
religionnews.com/2025/10/07/i...
But when Black began to lower his arms a few seconds later, the agents responded to his spiritual plea by firing pepper balls."
religionnews.com/2025/10/07/i...
Religious protesters say ICE threatens religious freedom in Chicago
(RNS) — Despite potential danger, religious leaders and faith activists have been a visible presence at Chicago-area ICE protests, some waving signs with slogans such as ‘Love thy neighbor’ and ‘Who w...
religionnews.com
October 9, 2025 at 12:16 AM
"The Rev. David Black stood in front of a Chicago-area U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility and spread his arms wide.
But when Black began to lower his arms a few seconds later, the agents responded to his spiritual plea by firing pepper balls."
religionnews.com/2025/10/07/i...
But when Black began to lower his arms a few seconds later, the agents responded to his spiritual plea by firing pepper balls."
religionnews.com/2025/10/07/i...
"These efforts to clean.. have largely been carried out by immigrant workers who have not just risked their health while clearing homes of toxic material and debris but, with ongoing raids, the lives they have built in California."
great story by @cshalby.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
great story by @cshalby.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
In the fire zones, an immigrant workforce warily carries out cleanups
Months after the Eaton fire, a largely immigrant workforce clears homes of ash and debris in Altadena amid health risks and threat of immigration raids.
www.latimes.com
October 8, 2025 at 10:38 PM
"These efforts to clean.. have largely been carried out by immigrant workers who have not just risked their health while clearing homes of toxic material and debris but, with ongoing raids, the lives they have built in California."
great story by @cshalby.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
great story by @cshalby.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by Melissa Gomez
this week i wrote abt the family of a San Fernando Valley man who was among hundreds of Gaza flotilla activists detained when Israeli naval forces seized their boats. now, LA-based journalist Emily Wilder who was on a second convoy has been detained www.latimes.com/california/s...
Californian detained on Gaza-bound flotilla deported to Jordan from Israel prison
Israeli naval forces intercepted aid vessels headed to Gaza, taking into custody Southern California native David Adler, among other passengers and crew.
www.latimes.com
October 8, 2025 at 3:58 PM
this week i wrote abt the family of a San Fernando Valley man who was among hundreds of Gaza flotilla activists detained when Israeli naval forces seized their boats. now, LA-based journalist Emily Wilder who was on a second convoy has been detained www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by Melissa Gomez
“They are so sloppy and the courts are having to deal with it,” said Vera Weisz, who has been practicing immigration law for more than four decades. “There is some absurdity to it, but that’s the least of it.”
Immigration sought to deport 88-year-old. But he already died
The Department of Homeland Security's intense push to ramp up deportations is dragging in even the dead as it unnerves immigrant households and crams court calendars.
www.latimes.com
October 7, 2025 at 6:05 PM
“They are so sloppy and the courts are having to deal with it,” said Vera Weisz, who has been practicing immigration law for more than four decades. “There is some absurdity to it, but that’s the least of it.”
Californian detained on Gaza-bound flotilla deported to Jordan from Israel prison, by @suhauna.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Californian detained on Gaza-bound flotilla deported to Jordan from Israel prison
Israeli naval forces intercepted aid vessels headed to Gaza, taking into custody Southern California native David Adler, among other passengers and crew.
www.latimes.com
October 7, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Californian detained on Gaza-bound flotilla deported to Jordan from Israel prison, by @suhauna.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
"The intense push to ramp up deportations is dragging in even the dead, unnerving immigrant households, cramming court calendars and sapping stretched immigration attorneys’ time."
crazy story here by @racheluranga.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
crazy story here by @racheluranga.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Immigration sought to deport 88-year-old. But he already died
The Department of Homeland Security's intense push to ramp up deportations is dragging in even the dead as it unnerves immigrant households and crams court calendars.
www.latimes.com
October 7, 2025 at 5:14 PM
"The intense push to ramp up deportations is dragging in even the dead, unnerving immigrant households, cramming court calendars and sapping stretched immigration attorneys’ time."
crazy story here by @racheluranga.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
crazy story here by @racheluranga.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...