Meet Carlos Eduardo Espina, the Only Latino on the Latest Pew Report’s News Influencer List and the Voice Trusted by Millions

Meet Carlos Eduardo Espina, the Only Latino on the Latest Pew Report's News Influencer List and the Voice Trusted by Millions
Credit: Carlos Eduardo Espina

“¡Noticia de última hora!” This phrase appears so often on my TikTok feed that it feels like a permanent fixture. The same is true for the algorithm of over 12 million users who rely on Carlos Eduardo Espina to stay informed. His videos dissect immigration policies, break down political updates, and, on occasion, give his audience a moment to breathe with lighter content. TikTok users have called him a future president of the United States. His reach and influence have grown to the point where the thought no longer seems far-fetched. 

Carlos Eduardo Espina: The Only Latino Named in a Pew Research Study on News Influencers

His presence extends far past social media. A recent Pew Research Center report, “No Consensus on Who Comes to Mind When Americans Are Asked to Name a News Influencer,” analyzed who the public considers leading voices in news commentary. Espina was the only Latino included, a fact that speaks to both his impact and the lack of representation in mainstream journalism. His rise mirrors a shift in how audiences seek information, turning to digital voices that reflect their own experiences. While traditional outlets continue to overlook Latino communities, Espina has built a platform that informs and engages millions. His work is not a coincidence. It is the result of years spent filling a void that others ignored. 

Espina sat down with BELatina to share his journey and how he is shaping his platform with intention. “I never planned for this to happen. I wanted to help my community, and social media gave me the space to do that,” he said. His ability to explain complex policies in simple terms has turned him into a lifeline for many Latinos, particularly immigrants who feel ignored by mainstream news outlets. The need for trusted information has only grown in recent years, especially as undocumented communities continue to be vilified. 

@carlos_eduardo_espina

No cabe duda que Dios es bueno…

♬ original sound – Carlos_Eduardo_Espina

From Personal Experience to a Digital Movement

Born in Uruguay to a Mexican mother and a Uruguayan father, Espina grew up in College Station, Texas. Immigration was always part of his reality, but it was not until high school that he began to understand the depth of the issue. “My mom was deported before I was born. It took five years for her to get legal status and reunite with us,” he shared. His experience shaped how he saw the struggles of those around him. When unaccompanied minors from Central America arrived at his school, Espina helped them navigate the system. He tutored them so they could meet academic requirements and play on the soccer team. “That was when I realized how much a small action could change someone’s situation,” he said. 

Politics became a focus after he saw a Bernie Sanders ad on Facebook. Until then, soccer had been his priority, but the ad opened a door to a new world of information. When he heard inflammatory remarks about Mexican immigrants during that presidential campaign, Espina found himself paying attention in a way he never had before. “I started researching, watching debates, and trying to understand how policies affect real people,” he said. 

By 2020, he had graduated college and was preparing to work in the nonprofit sector, but the pandemic forced him to rethink his plans. With time on his hands, he turned to social media. He began by offering citizenship classes on Facebook before expanding to TikTok, an app he initially dismissed. His early videos explained the U.S. citizenship test, and they quickly gained traction. “I had no idea people would respond the way they did. It showed me how much this information was needed,” he said. 

A Platform Built on Trust and Utility

Within months, his following exploded. He became one of the first Spanish-speaking creators in the U.S. to use TikTok for political content, filling a gap that many did not realize existed. By January 2021, less than a year after launching his account, he had one million followers. His platform evolved into a real-time news source, where he debated Trump supporters, broke down policies, and provided updates on issues affecting the Latino community. His audience trusted him because he made sure to verify every piece of information before posting. “I know how serious this is. People are making life decisions based on what I share. I cannot afford to be wrong,” he said. 

His utilitarian approach is what drives him. He believes influence should serve a purpose. Despite the weight of his work, he has not lost his sense of self. His content is not limited to politics. He posts about soccer, pop culture, and personal anecdotes. His followers have come to expect a balance, knowing that even those on the front lines of advocacy need space to breathe. “If I did this 24 hours a day, I would burn out. I need to have moments where I step back,” he admitted. 

Now in his fifth year as a content creator, Espina’s reach has only grown. He graduated from law school but has yet to take the bar exam, choosing instead to focus on the work that has made him an indispensable resource. “I can spend 100 hours helping one person as a lawyer, or I can spend 100 hours making content that helps 10 million people,” he explained. 

@carlos_eduardo_espina

Han detenido a la madre y trabajadora Mexicana Jeanette Vizguerra 🚨

♬ original sound – Carlos_Eduardo_Espina

At the moment, anti-immigrant sentiment continues to rise. This is why Espina’s presence is more necessary than ever. His influence has never been about seeking fame. His audience put him in this position, and he carries that responsibility with a level of care that is rare to find. “This is bigger than me. I am going to keep doing this for as long as people need me,” he said. 

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