Spotlight on the Columbia Journalism Investigations Global Migration Fellows
Two Columbia Journalism Investigation Fellows showcase the power of collaborative investigative journalism in a global migration investigation with Reuters.
Columbia Journalism Investigation Fellows Churchill Ndonwie, ’23 M.S., and Jose Maria del Pino, ’23 M.A. Politics, spent months tracing two new intercontinental migrant smuggling routes for a recent CJI investigation done in collaboration with Reuters.
Using data showing the apprehension of close to six million individual migrants along the U.S.-Mexico border over a decade, the team mapped large-scale smuggling routes and identified the roles charter and commercial airlines can play in each movement.
With many originally from India and West Africa, migrants on these routes can pay exorbitant sums — sometimes exceeding $72,000 — for perilous journeys in pursuit of better prospects and security in the United States, the CJI-Reuters investigation found. Some sell off personal belongings, cars and homes to finance these trips, which often result in tragic losses of family members.
"There is a level of care and trust you have to build for them to share their life with you,” said Ndonwie, emphasizing the need for sensitivity while interviewing people who have endured traumatic experiences. “You have to keep that in mind when you engage with them.”
The team faced numerous challenges that required multiple adjustments to their reporting. Language barriers posed significant hurdles, particularly in West Africa where Pulaar, Wolof and Arabic were common among those interviewed. Yet this hurdle did not sway the team's commitment to thoroughness and inclusivity in their reporting.
“The excitement grew as the numbers took shape and came together during the process,” said del Pino. “Then, the testimonies came in and finally, everything fell into place perfectly.”
Their work culminated in this June 21 publication by Reuters. Both fellows credited CJI, its project advisor and Reuters reporter Mica Rosenberg and its director Kristen Lombardi, for preparing them for this work.
"What I value most about the fellowship and CJI is Kristen Lombardi's guidance in the rigor and perseverance of investigative journalism,” said del Pino.
“I am convinced that our research embodies the type of journalism the world urgently needs — one that fosters discussion, reflection, and accountability.”
Additionally, the program has opened the door to professional opportunities for the fellows.
“I had never really had a full newsroom experience or worked in a newsroom before,” said Ndonwie. “CJI helped me build and solidify some of the skills I learned in class, but also solidify some new skills as a reporter I am now taking on in my current internship.”
Columbia Journalism Investigations is the school’s postgraduate reporting program. It employs recent graduates and pairs them with experienced journalists to produce high-impact investigative stories in partnership with leading news organizations. The program’s location within Columbia Journalism School allows for collaborations with scholars. Operating as a newsroom, CJI has several reporting teams that tackle domestic and global investigations into critical issues of public interest, including climate, immigration and civil rights.