Documentary Duo Captures the Dystopian Reality of ICE in 'They're Here'

In a compelling new documentary, Oscar-winning filmmaker Laura Poitras and journalist Rachel Lauren Mueller reveal the haunting impact of Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minneapolis through their short film, 'They're Here.' The documentary captures the chilling experiences of residents facing the reality of ICE's presence in their community while drawing stylistic inspiration from horror and science fiction cinema.

'They're Here' showcases how a vibrant Midwestern city can transform into a scene of terror, featuring unsettling visuals such as agents in balaclavas patrolling snowy streets and passengers witnessing the grim treatment of detainees at the airport. Through a mix of dashcam footage and community-driven data visualizations, Poitras and Mueller reconstruct the grassroots resistance that emerged as locals banded together to document and counteract ICE's actions.

Collaboration Born from Urgency

The project sprang from a shared sense of urgency among the filmmakers, stemming from a tragic event that took place in January 2022. Poitras, who previously won an Oscar for her work on 'Citizenfour,' partnered with Mueller, who lives just blocks from where a local resident was killed during an ICE operation. Their collaboration was fueled by a commitment to document this ongoing crisis in a way that diverges from conventional news coverage.

“We have a lot of things in common,” Poitras explained, highlighting their shared backgrounds as director-shooters and journalists. They quickly established a connection, discussing how to approach the subject matter safely while ensuring the protection of those involved.

Breaking Away from Traditional News Coverage

With the overwhelming media attention surrounding ICE at the time, Poitras and Mueller felt compelled to explore a different narrative through their documentary. “The news is kind of normalizing this violence by repeating the same clips over and over,” Poitras noted, expressing their belief in the unique storytelling power of cinema. They aimed to evoke emotional responses and highlight the reality of surveillance and fear that permeated everyday life in Minneapolis.

Mueller shared her experiences of living amidst the chaos, noting that the presence of ICE agents was a constant in her neighborhood. “It felt like every day a new horror was kind of revealed,” she recalled, emphasizing the pervasive anxiety surrounding the potential for ICE to invade homes without warning.

As the filmmakers continue to share their work at festivals, including a screening in Venice, they hope to inspire audiences to reflect on the harsh realities depicted in 'They're Here' and mobilize action against such injustices.

Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com