In the wake of global turmoil and escalating violence, the immigration crisis has become a pivotal and contentious issue worldwide. “The Empire’s War on the Border” goes beyond the superficial political discourse surrounding the security of the United States’ border with Mexico, shedding light on the deeply tragic and profoundly human dimension of the crisis. Produced by the acclaimed investigative series The Empire Files, this powerful film places journalist Abby Martin on the front lines, unearthing insights that challenge popular political rhetoric.
The film confronts the harsh realities often concealed in the immigration debate. Under President Obama’s administration, a staggering record of nearly two million illegal immigrants were deported within a span of five years. The militarization of many points of entry has pushed desperate individuals to take isolated and treacherous routes, resulting in a haunting landscape marked by the remains of those who perished. In Arizona alone, over 7,000 human remains have been discovered along the border since 1994. These are the bodies of men, women, and children who embarked on unspeakably perilous journeys in search of a better life for their families in America.
“The Empire’s War on the Border” reveals the challenges faced by humanitarian groups like No More Deaths, who provide life-saving supplies along the border route, but are hindered by government and law enforcement agencies invoking penalties related to littering and aiding terrorism. The film also exposes the profit-driven nature of the crisis. Operation Streamline, enacted in 2005 by the Department of Homeland Security, has led to an unprecedented prosecution of illegal immigrants, flooding the private prison system in Texas with over 1.2 billion dollars.
This thought-provoking documentary acknowledges the complexity of the political debate surrounding immigration policy, touching upon issues of national security, socio-economic concerns, and human rights. Through its poignant narrative, “The Empire’s War on the Border” provides clarity and understanding, framing the debate around the shared human struggle for a better life.