Jack Herrera

Jack Herrera is an independent reporter. He’s a former national correspondent for the Los Angeles Times, where he covered a changing American West, and a former senior editor at Texas Monthly, where he covered the border and Latino communities. His work has appeared in Politico Magazine, The Atlantic, and The New York Times.

President Joe Biden announces asylum restrictions at the US-Mexico border in the East Room of the White House on June 4, 2024.

President Biden Has His New Asylum Ban. Does He Have the Stomach for What Comes Next? President Biden Has His New Asylum Ban. Does He Have the Stomach for What Comes Next?

Many people say they want tougher border enforcement. They don’t always like what that looks like.

Jun 7, 2024 / Jack Herrera

Black Immigrants Matter

Black Immigrants Matter Black Immigrants Matter

In immigration, as in policing, every arm of the US incarceration and deportation machine brings down a hefty amount of its weight onto the backs of Black people.

Mar 24, 2021 / Feature / Jack Herrera

Nahua indigenous women

Latinxs Don’t Need to Speak Spanish Latinxs Don’t Need to Speak Spanish

Julián Castro and AOC have recently amplified a dialogue on Latinx identity and language. The conversation should also acknowledge groups that don’t traditionally speak Spanish.

Jun 18, 2020 / Jack Herrera

Could Covid-19 Mean the End of Asylum Law in the United States?

Could Covid-19 Mean the End of Asylum Law in the United States? Could Covid-19 Mean the End of Asylum Law in the United States?

“Public health” fears are being used to keep out asylum seekers and immigrants—will they ever be let back in?

Jun 3, 2020 / Jack Herrera and Quito Tsui

The Other Epidemic

The Other Epidemic The Other Epidemic

Public health insights are reshaping our understanding of how violence spreads.

May 18, 2020 / Feature / Jack Herrera

In ICE Detention, Forced to Pay for Soap

In ICE Detention, Forced to Pay for Soap In ICE Detention, Forced to Pay for Soap

The for-profit model of private prison contractors has created artificial scarcity—and serious danger during the pandemic.

Apr 30, 2020 / Jack Herrera

How Sex Workers Are Using Mutual Aid to Respond to the Coronavirus

How Sex Workers Are Using Mutual Aid to Respond to the Coronavirus How Sex Workers Are Using Mutual Aid to Respond to the Coronavirus

Their efforts highlight the deep history of organizing and radical mutual support in the sex worker community.

Apr 20, 2020 / Jack Herrera

Deportations Are Making the Coronavirus Crisis Worse

Deportations Are Making the Coronavirus Crisis Worse Deportations Are Making the Coronavirus Crisis Worse

Overcrowded detention facilities in the US risk exporting the virus to Central America.

Mar 23, 2020 / Gaby Del Valle and Jack Herrera

PHOTOS: A Year After the Caravans, Has Trump Won?

PHOTOS: A Year After the Caravans, Has Trump Won? PHOTOS: A Year After the Caravans, Has Trump Won?

Last fall, Tijuana sheltered thousands of Central Americans trying to make their way to the United States. The scene is a lot different now.

Dec 9, 2019 / Photo Essay / Jack Herrera

Trump’s Asylum Crackdown Intensifies the Fight for Refugee Rights

Trump’s Asylum Crackdown Intensifies the Fight for Refugee Rights Trump’s Asylum Crackdown Intensifies the Fight for Refugee Rights

Current policy makes a painful line of work even harder, but these attorneys aren’t giving up.

Sep 12, 2019 / Jack Herrera

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