You’ve seen him on your screens—cool, calm, and collected, even when covering some of the most harrowing stories in the country. Bill Melugin, Fox News’ go-to correspondent for immigration and border issues, has quickly become one of the network’s most prominent faces. With his perfectly groomed hair and calm demeanor, Melugin brings a blend of personal determination and journalistic integrity to every story he covers. But behind the polished image, there’s more to his story—a path from runways in Milan to gritty field reporting, and a personal journey that has shaped him into the respected reporter he is today.

A Career Defined by Hard Work and Impact

Bill Melugin joined Fox News in May 2021, but his journey to the network was anything but traditional. Melugin didn’t ease into his new role; he dove headfirst into major national stories. From mass migrant crossings to wildfires, school shootings, and presidential inaugurations, Melugin’s coverage has been as varied as it is impactful. However, his defining work has come at the U.S.-Mexico border, where he’s spent countless days on the ground, including 170 days in 2022 alone. His on-the-ground reporting, paired with dramatic drone footage of crossings and intimate interviews with migrants, has cemented his reputation as one of the most visible figures covering immigration.

In his own words, Melugin explained, “All we’re doing is putting a mirror up and showing what’s happening.” This straightforward approach has led to some of the most powerful, real-time reporting seen on cable news, shining a light on the struggles of both the U.S. immigration system and the people affected by it. His high-profile assignments have included the Del Rio bridge crisis, the death of Guardsman Bishop Evans, the Uvalde school shooting, and even major political events like Trump’s 2025 inauguration and California wildfires in 2025. Whether embedded on the frontlines or analyzing critical events from D.C., Melugin has been a constant presence in the most important stories of our time.

From Milan to Murrow Awards: Melugin’s Unconventional Path

You might be surprised to learn that before Melugin became a household name in newsrooms, he was strutting down runways in Milan. Yes, you read that right—before diving into the world of journalism, Melugin spent some time modeling in Milan during his college years. But the fashion world couldn’t hold his attention for long. He soon realized that his true passion lay in reporting, and he turned his focus to journalism.

Born in Orange County, Melugin graduated from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism in 2012. From there, his career took him from El Paso to Charlotte to KTTV FOX 11 in Los Angeles, where he earned a reputation for his hard-hitting investigative reporting. In Los Angeles, Melugin made headlines for breaking the Gavin Newsom French Laundry scandal during the pandemic, a story that sent shockwaves through California’s political landscape. His ability to dig deep, coupled with his relentless pursuit of the truth, earned him three Emmys, two Golden Mike Awards, and three Edward R. Murrow Awards before turning 40.

Despite his impressive credentials, Melugin never lost his work ethic. “He wasn’t even hired as an investigative reporter,” said KTTV anchor Elex Michaelson. “But he was digging through documents before and after shifts. No one else worked like that.”

A Family Legacy and a Heartfelt Reminder

Beyond the accolades and professional accomplishments, there’s a deeply personal side to Melugin’s story. Before every live shot, he whispers a quiet message to his late father, Gary Melugin, who passed away from a pulmonary embolism at the age of 55. “I’m just asking him to watch over me. Hope I’m making you proud,” Melugin shared. His father’s untimely death forced him to grow up quickly, and the emotional weight of that loss continues to inspire his dedication to his work.

“I considered myself an immature little boy… it made me grow up very quickly,” he said. Today, Melugin lives in Brentwood, California, close to his mother, Audrey, who proudly calls him a “mama’s boy.” He’s also adopted two dogs and a cat that he helped rescue while covering the border, further underscoring his deep compassion and strong sense of responsibility.

A Private Life: Melugin and Katy Johnson

So, is Bill Melugin single? The answer is no. He’s been in a relationship since 2018 with Katy Johnson, a model and founder of One Model Mission, a global blog and documentary project that highlights women’s stories from over 100 countries. Despite the media attention Melugin often receives, he and Johnson have kept their relationship relatively private. Melugin’s social media is peppered with sweet tributes to Johnson, especially on anniversaries, where he praises her strength and passion.

The couple’s bond is clear, but they keep their personal life low-key, away from the constant scrutiny that comes with being in the public eye. They’ve found a balance between their respective careers and the joy of their private moments.

Breaking Boundaries in Reporting

Melugin’s rise to prominence hasn’t come without its fair share of challenges, especially given the highly polarized nature of cable news. His work on the border has been scrutinized from all angles, with critics questioning Fox News’ framing of immigration issues. Yet, even in Democratic-leaning towns like El Paso and Eagle Pass, Melugin’s on-the-ground reporting has earned him gratitude and respect. “We’ve had people say, ‘We don’t watch Fox, but thank you for being here,’” he said, reflecting on how his honest reporting transcends partisan divides.

In an age where many news anchors provide commentary from a distance, Melugin’s commitment to being present at the scene, with drone footage capturing the reality of migrant crossings and first-hand interviews with those affected, sets him apart. As one reporter remarked, “In a media era of armchair commentary, Melugin is actually there.”

The Future: A Rising Star with a Purpose

With his ever-growing visibility and unwavering dedication to reporting the truth, Bill Melugin is well on his way to becoming one of the most respected figures in broadcast journalism. Whether he’s on the frontlines of the U.S.-Mexico border, reporting on major political events, or sharing personal moments with his family, Melugin brings intensity and purpose to everything he does.

As for the future, Melugin shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to lead coverage for Fox News with unmatched dedication and has made a significant mark on the industry. In an era where news can be shaped and manipulated, Melugin’s commitment to delivering the facts—without compromise—continues to set a high standard for the next generation of journalists.