The Taking
Federal Land Seizures and the Border Fence
When the Department of Homeland Security built a border fence a decade ago, it used the federal power of eminent domain to seize hundreds of acres of private property. The land grab resulted in unfair payments and unequal treatment of landowners. As the administration of President Donald Trump prepares to build a new wall, the federal laws which allowed the abuse to occur remain in place without reform.
What We’re Watching
During Donald Trump’s second presidency, ProPublica will focus on the areas most in need of scrutiny. Here are some of the issues our reporters will be watching — and how to get in touch with them securely.
Learn more about our reporting team. We will continue to share our areas of interest as the news develops.
Sharon Lerner
I cover health and the environment and the agencies that govern them, including the Environmental Protection Agency.
Andy Kroll
I cover justice and the rule of law, including the Justice Department, U.S. attorneys and the courts.
Melissa Sanchez
I report on immigration and labor, and I am based in Chicago.
Jesse Coburn
I cover housing and transportation, including the companies working in those fields and the regulators overseeing them.
If you don’t have a specific tip or story in mind, we could still use your help. Sign up to be a member of our federal worker source network to stay in touch.
