A prominent immigration reporter lost his job following allegations he allowed a California state senator with whom he had a romantic relationship to influence stories published under his byline, raising serious questions about journalistic integrity and conflicts of interest.
Investigation Findings and Termination
L.A. TACO fired Memo Torres, 46, after a nearly five-month internal investigation found repeated violations of editorial policies and journalistic standards. The outlet publicly stated the decision stemmed from bypassing editors, making factual errors, and maintaining a romantic relationship with State Senator Sasha Pérez while covering her legislative work. Torres had built his reputation through Daily Memo videos documenting immigration enforcement actions across the Los Angeles region over seven years with the publication.
According to sources cited by LA Material, the most serious allegation involved Pérez editing and contributing written material to stories bearing Torres’ byline. The outlet claimed Torres was ready to pursue independent journalism, while Torres told followers he was blindsided by the termination. L.A. TACO offered severance and public support for his next chapter, but disputes emerged over the circumstances of his departure.
Lawmaker’s Response and Relationship Timeline
Senator Pérez, 34, the youngest California Senate member and former Alhambra mayor, denied any editorial involvement. She stated she did not write articles or control editorial decisions, calling suggestions otherwise attacks on her work and Torres’ integrity. Pérez acknowledged a prior personal relationship and confirmed L.A. TACO management requested they limit communication approximately six months before his termination. The pair appeared together publicly at the Latino Spirit Awards in May, where Pérez presented the outlet a journalism award.
Torres covered multiple Pérez legislative efforts, including promoting an oversight bill she introduced in February, attending her press conference, and highlighting the legislation again in March. One story was later updated with an editor’s note stating amendments were made to meet editorial standards. Pérez chairs the Senate Education Committee and has positioned herself as defending illegal immigrants against federal enforcement actions.
Conflicting Accounts and Community Impact
L.A. TACO pushed back against speculation they were scaling back immigration enforcement coverage, calling such rumors dangerous lies that divide the community Torres claimed to serve. Management insisted Torres’ termination had nothing to do with reducing immigration reporting. Torres told LA Material he had no idea what management referenced regarding accountability issues. Some sources suggested executives knew about the relationship by February and used it amid internal disagreements over immigration coverage direction, though these claims remain disputed by the publication.