From Guatemala’s adoption scandal to the U.S. Border Patrol, McIntyre’s investigative reporting sheds light on hidden stories
In the world of journalism, there are those who report the news as it happens, and then there are those who dig deeper, uncovering the stories that have yet to be told. Erin Siegal McIntyre, an investigative journalist and assistant professor at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, falls into the latter category. From Guatemala’s adoption scandal to the institutional culture of the U.S. Border Patrol, McIntyre’s work has exposed corruption, shed light on hidden truths, and challenged the status quo.
A Journey into Investigative Journalism:
McIntyre’s journey into investigative journalism began in 2007 when she witnessed American citizens leaving Guatemala with newly adopted children. Intrigued by the scene, she delved into the world of international adoption, only to uncover a dark underbelly of kidnappings, baby laundering, and corruption. This experience propelled her into a new direction, one that focused on holding those in power accountable.
Seeking a Challenge:
McIntyre’s thirst for intellectual challenge led her to enroll in the photography program at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. However, she soon realized that she craved more than just visual storytelling. She wanted to dig deeper, to uncover the truth behind the stories. After attending Parsons School of Design as a dual-degree major in writing and photography, McIntyre’s freelance career took off. She pitched and photographed stories for renowned news organizations and worked as a staff photographer at the United Nations. But she still felt there was more to learn.
Mastering the Art of Investigation:
To further challenge herself, McIntyre pursued a master’s program at the Columbia Journalism School, specializing in investigative reporting. Her research into the legislative history of international adoption between Guatemala and the United States uncovered a complex web of operations involving various stakeholders. Through her work, she connected with adoptive mother Betsy Emmanuel, who had experienced the heartbreaking disappearance of two children during the adoption process. Their collaboration resulted in McIntyre’s first book, “Finding Fernanda,” which exposed criminal networks and fraudulent practices in international adoption.
Unveiling the Border Patrol’s Culture:
In 2010, McIntyre relocated to Tijuana, Mexico, where she spent a decade living and working as an independent journalist. Immersed in the border city’s unique culture, she focused her reporting on immigration, deportation, policy, and culture. Over time, she became fascinated by the institutional culture of the U.S. Border Patrol and its impact on border enforcement. Currently working on her second book, McIntyre aims to explore the evolution of the agency’s culture over the past 50 years. Through extensive research and interviews with former agents, she seeks to shed light on the untold stories within the Border Patrol.
The Power of Investigative Reporting:
McIntyre’s work goes beyond traditional journalism. She combines her skills as a photographer with her investigative reporting, capturing details that enhance her written descriptions. Her dedication to investigative journalism is evident in her use of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to access previously unreleased public information and datasets from government agencies. With the help of a First Amendment lawyer, McIntyre has filed FOIA lawsuits to obtain crucial documents for her research.
Inspiring the Next Generation:
As an assistant professor at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, McIntyre imparts her knowledge and passion for investigative reporting to her students. Through real-world investigations and public records requests, her students learn to connect the dots and uncover hidden truths. McIntyre believes in the power of early wins, showing her students that even a small group can make a significant impact.
Conclusion:
Erin Siegal McIntyre’s journey from freelance photojournalist to investigative reporter and professor exemplifies the power of storytelling and the importance of holding those in power accountable. Her work has exposed corruption and shed light on hidden truths, challenging societal norms and inspiring the next generation of journalists. With each investigation, McIntyre reaffirms the vital role of investigative journalism in our society, reminding us that the truth is worth uncovering, no matter the challenges that lie ahead.
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