NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF ARTICLE
The Los Angeles Times is facing heavy backlash after publishing a video segment that appeared to instruct viewers on how to help undocumented domestic workers avoid detection by federal immigration authorities.
The now-viral 80-second clip, produced by reporter Jenny Gold and posted to the LA Times’ official Instagram account, focused on “how to protect your nanny” during immigration enforcement actions in Southern California.
Gold’s video, citing tips from Kayla Shore of the nonprofit Hand in Hand, offered advice to employers who rely on undocumented childcare workers. Suggestions included placing nannies on paid leave, accompanying them to transit stops, or paying for taxi services to avoid encounters with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“A lot of nannies are taking a big risk by going to work right now,” Gold stated. “Limit risk where you can. Consider offering them paid leave. And if you can’t, you might offer to accompany them to a bus stop or pay for a taxi to help them get to work safely.”
The video sparked immediate outrage across social media and political circles, with critics accusing the LA Times of promoting ways to circumvent federal immigration law.
Tomi Lahren, conservative commentator and host on Outkick, slammed the outlet: “Pretty sick what liberal blue city moms will do to keep their illegal alien cheap labor.”
Richard Grenell, a former U.S. ambassador and Trump official, called out the paper’s leadership directly. “This is what an insurrection looks like,” he said, referring to the video as undermining the rule of law.
The controversy also drew criticism from the White House. Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson questioned why a mainstream news outlet would appear to give “advice on how to help illegal aliens continue breaking the law.”
Legal analysts noted that the segment avoided addressing whether the tips applied specifically to workers in the U.S. without authorization. The LA Times has not issued a formal statement clarifying whether the video reflects its editorial position.
ICE has reminded employers that knowingly hiring or harboring undocumented workers can carry serious legal penalties.
The nonprofit Hand in Hand defends its guidance as part of a broader mission to protect domestic worker rights, regardless of immigration status. However, critics argue that encouraging employers to help undocumented workers evade law enforcement risks crossing an ethical — and legal — line.
As of now, the video remains live on the LA Times’ Instagram account.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tX_-9VZrWWU
