Exposes the expulsion of a Brazilian woman to delve into the intricacies of the immigration argument
In a remarkable display of journalistic collaboration, a team of reporters delved into the complex and poignant story of Maria Pires, a woman who was adopted from a São Paulo orphanage at the age of 11 but faced a tumultuous life that ultimately led to her deportation to her native Brazil.
The investigation was spearheaded by Tim Sullivan, an immigration reporter, who was approached by Pires' attorney. The team also included Lea Skene, Mauricio Savarese, and Allen Breed. Skene was brought in due to the adoptive father's Maryland roots, while Savarese became involved after Pires was deported.
The story took a cross-format and cross-continental approach, with Dario Lopez handling digital presentation and Leslie Mazoch selecting photos. The team painstakingly examined government documents and conducted interviews, visiting with Pires in eastern Brazil and the assailant's sister in North Carolina.
The story was a challenging one, both in terms of resources and the nature of the subject matter. As a result, it was published by few news organizations. Pires' history of violent crimes, including beating a teenager into a coma and stabbing her prison cellmate with a sharpened toothbrush, added a dark and troubling dimension to the narrative.
Despite these challenges, the team persevered, producing a comprehensive and compelling account of Pires' life and deportation. The story was edited by Top Stories Deputy Director Janelle Cogan, ensuring it was presented in a clear and engaging manner.
It was revealed that Pires was stateless as an adult due to her adoptive father not obtaining her citizenship. This oversight contributed to her struggle to avoid deportation over several administrations, including during Trump's first term.
The story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by individuals caught up in the immigration system, and the vital role that journalism plays in shedding light on such issues.
