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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

  • Latest stop for hundreds of asylum-seekers: A Seattle park

    Hundreds of people seeking asylum in the United States have been moving around South King County for months. Now many of them are living in tents in a park near Garfield High School. Neighbors are trying to help, but say the situation is untenable. We’ll talk with KUOW reporter Gustavo Sagrero about how we got here and what long-term solutions are on the table.

  • solar panels solar array renewable energy sustainable

    A little sunlight goes a long way for this family support center in Olympia

    When the Family Support Center of South Sound opened its Olympia facility in 2023, organizers knew that placing solar panels on its roof would be part of the plan. The panels could cut utility costs for the organization that serves survivors of domestic violence — an operation where every penny counts.

  • caption: 8-year-old Patterson McKenzie was diagnosed with epidermolysis bullosa when he was born in 2015.

    Seattle takes a cold plunge to help kids with 'butterfly-like' skin

    On Sunday, a crowd of Seattleites will brave the cold waters of Alki Beach to increase awareness for the group of genetic skin conditions known as epidermolysis bullosa, which cause painful blistering and tearing. The plunge was organized by the nonprofit EB Research Partnership, which aims to raise $80,000 for research that could help cure and improve treatment for the disorders.
  • e-bike

    E-bike fires are sparking trouble in Seattle. Here's how to use them safely

    Seattle’s streets have become home to hundreds of electronic bikes and scooters in recent years, with a growing number of commuters and hobbyists relying on them to get around. As usage of these lithium-ion battery powered devices grows, so has the number of fires in connection with them. That’s prompted the Seattle Fire Department to urge caution when using and storing the devices.
  • caption: A 60-foot tall cedar tree in West Seattle, called "Henry" by local tree advocates (pictured to the left), was cut down on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Advocates say the tree's removal illuminates holes in Seattle's new tree protection ordinance.

    Seattle passed a tree protection law last year. So why did a 'protected' cedar get the ax?

    On Tuesday, a 60-foot cedar tree in West Seattle was cut down to make way for a six-home development project, despite being designated by the city as "protected" from home demolition. Local environmental advocates say the removal of the tree, which they called “Henry,” demonstrates that the city’s tree protection ordinance doesn’t extend far enough.