Immigration Under President Trump’s First Term: Kids Caught in the Crackdown

This documentary examines the conditions within federally-funded shelter programs for detained migrant children during the first term of President Donald Trump. It investigates the impact on children held in U.S. government custody, drawing on confidential government data obtained by the Associated Press.

The program details the increase in migrant child detentions to historic levels during this period. It provides access to a “tender age” shelter and illustrates the process from apprehension by Customs and Border Protection to transfer to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The documentary analyzes how changes in policies for vetting sponsors contributed to extended periods of government custody for children and an increase in their overall numbers.

Key Themes & Topics Examined

• Conditions in federally-funded shelters for migrant children.
• The increase in migrant child detentions during the Trump administration.
• The process of migrant children entering U.S. government custody.
• Policy changes affecting the duration of children’s detention.
• The role of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in child migrant custody.

Archival & Investigative Sources

• Confidential government data obtained by the Associated Press.
• Access to a “tender age” shelter.
• Reporting by Garance Burke and Martha Mendoza.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this documentary?

The documentary primarily focuses on the conditions and policies surrounding the detention of migrant children in U.S. government custody during President Donald Trump’s first term.

Which organizations collaborated on this production?

This documentary was a FRONTLINE production with Five O’Clock Films in partnership with The Associated Press.

When was this documentary originally aired?

The documentary was originally aired in 2019.

What recognition did this documentary receive?

In 2020, the documentary received a News Emmy in the “Outstanding Continuing Coverage of a News Story in a Newsmagazine” category.