Gustavo Sagrero Álvarez
Race, Identity, and Immigration Reporter
About
Gustavo covers race, identity, and immigration in the Pacific Northwest. His reporting is focused on tribal sovereignty, how a diversity of communities leverage their power to effect change in and beyond their neighborhoods, and the impacts of immigration policy at the state level.
He arrived to KUOW in 2023, and previously wrote about northern Nevada's tribal efforts during mid-term elections, addressing the legacy of state-funded boarding schools and the impacts of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples' epidemic. He's also written about healthcare access for undocumented Idaho farmworkers during the pandemic and Juneteenth celebrations in Idaho.
Gustavo was born and raised in the sagebrush of Boise, Idaho. He spent many years trying to get into a career in journalism, juggling work, school, and community radio before settling into the restaurant industry for eight years. He was able to work in award-winning kitchens before the pandemic threw him back into journalism. In his off time he takes documentary photography, participates in the Purépecha community, and dreams of pit barbecuing and carnitas.
Location: Seattle
Languages: English, Spanish
Pronouns: he/him
Professional Affiliations: Founding Board Member, Voces
Stories
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Kids at gunpoint, casino casings: How south Seattle Asian immigrants became the target of home invasions
At least 14 homes were broken into during a two-months long run of violent robberies targeting Asian immigrants in south Seattle and nearby suburbs. These break-ins bore marks of unusual cruelty: guns shoved in mouths, jewelry roughly grabbed off victims, children led through their homes at gunpoint until they could produce cash and luxury handbags.
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Anti-Asian hate is underreported in King County. New community gatherings aim to change that
Federal and local prosecutors and advocates for the Asian American community are encouraging crime victims to come forward and file reports, with the goal of reducing hate crimes.
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The number of migrants at a Tukwila church grows, as cold weather sets in
Around 350 migrants have camped out in front of Riverton Park United Methodist Church in Tukwila. That’s a number that has nearly doubled in size as asylum seekers continue to find their way here since the city announced a state of emergency last month.
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Seattle area faith leaders call on WA Congress members to back a ceasefire in Gaza
Close to 200 Seattle area faith leaders from different backgrounds have signed onto a statement outlining a plan to address the rising death toll in Gaza, which has now surpassed 11,000. A portion of those faith leaders gathered in front of the Jackson Federal building on Thursday morning, looking for the attention of U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, and other federally elected officials.
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Washington state sees rise in anti-Arab, anti-Jewish hate incidents amid Israel-Hamas War
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For these asylum-seekers, a Tukwila church offers temporary comfort and refuge
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'Shock, disbelief, and disorientation.’ Seattle leaders react to Hamas attack on Israel
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Cal Anderson BLM garden to be removed by city despite pushback
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Partnerships to help asylum-seekers at Tukwila church take shape amid city's state of emergency
The growing number of migrants looking for asylum at a church in Tukwila prompted the city to declare a state of emergency on Friday. The city is asking for help from state, county, and federal governments, and hopes to meet other priorities at the local level.
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WA investigations office created in response to Manny Ellis killing begins work as trial of Tacoma officers continues
The Office of Independent Investigations, formed in 2021, is conducting trainings and bringing new staff on board to conduct investigations of the use of deadly force by law enforcement throughout the state.