Separated: Children at the Border

Border security has emerged as one of the most raw and emotional issues of our time. The U.S. southern border stretches some 1,900 miles, and is guarded by 20,000 border agents. Despite the hazards, men, women, and children continue to flock to the border, hoping to find safety and opportunity. In this PBS-aired Frontline documentary, Martin Smith reports on the immigration crisis, which has been compounded by the cruel policy of separating families. Most of the would-be immigrants are from El Salvador and Honduras, fleeing violence and drug gang activity. Many walk countless miles on foot, facing extortion or rape threats (it is estimated that 6 out of 10 women become victims). Other migrants pay smugglers ("coyotes"), who often leave them stranded in overheated trailers, while local ranchers find bodies of unlucky migrants who tried to make it across the border on their own. Many clamber onto a railroad—nicknamed "the beast"—only to fall or be kicked off by criminals who try to extort protection money. Approaching the border, families may be separated at locales far removed from any legal help or a meaningful day in court. The separation problem has been inflamed by politicians seeking election (or re-election) with talk of "bad hombres" and fears of out of control borders. The video notes President Barack Obama’s role as "deporter in chief," and reviews claims regarding the merits of "catch and release." But always caught in the middle are the children. Some immigrants say they were unaware of how bad the situation would be, while others feel that anything is better than enduring poverty and violence at home. Immigrants, civil libertarians, and administration officials offer comments here, while alternatives to detention and separation are explored—along with the possible lasting trauma effects on separated children. An alarming and timely documentary, this is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)