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NewsLos Angeles MagazineOctober 26, 2026Los Angeles County

L.A. TACO Firing of Reporter Memo Torres Sparks Journalistic Ethics Questions Over Alleged Relationship

Photo: Los Angeles Magazine

Independent news outlet L.A. TACO parted ways with reporter Memo Torres following allegations of a personal relationship with California state Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez whom he covered. Reports indicate the termination followed concerns over journalistic ethics, including alleged reporting errors, bypassed editors, and allowing the senator to write portions of published articles. Both parties offered conflicting accounts of the departure, and Pérez acknowledged a prior personal relationship that management had previously asked them to limit.

MediaEthicsJournalismImmigrationState Government
Read the full story at Los Angeles Magazine

Why It Matters

The situation involves the intersection of local independent journalism, political reporting on immigration enforcement, and ethical standards regarding conflicts of interest between reporters and elected officials.

Key Facts

  • L.A. TACO announced it was parting ways with reporter Memo Torres last week.
  • Torres is known for covering U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and immigration raids in Los Angeles.
  • Torres recently received a fellowship at Harvard’s Shorenstein Center.
  • Torres described his firing as a surprise in an Instagram post.
  • Independent newsroom L.A. Material reported that the firing followed concerns about journalistic ethics.
  • Allegations included reporting errors, bypassed editors, and a subject of coverage writing portions of published articles.
  • State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez acknowledged a prior personal relationship with Torres.
  • Pérez stated that L.A. TACO management asked them to limit communication about six months ago, a request she said they honored.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationL.A. TACO“Independent news publication.”PersonSasha Renée Pérez“California state senator.”OrganizationL.A. Material“Independent newsroom reporting on the firing.”PersonMemo Torres“Fired L.A. TACO reporter formerly covering immigration.”OrganizationU.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement“Federal agency covered by the reporter.”OrganizationHarvard’s Shorenstein Center“Institution where Torres recently received a fellowship.”locationLos Angeles“Location of immigration raids covered by Torres.”