Directors Christina Clusiau and Shaul Schwarz follow undocumented immigrants and ICE alike in their upcoming Netflix docuseries. A new trailer for “Immigration Nation” shows families being torn apart and ICE agents struggling to reconcile their consciences with their jobs.
Some ICE employees have a harder time with America’s harsh immigration policies than others. “I can’t tell you how exhausting it is, day in and day out, to be putting cuffs on people doing exactly what I would do in their situation,” an agent says in the spot. But one superior officer tells an agent, “I don’t care what you do, but bring at least two people in.”
“Immigration Nation” also spotlights several undocumented immigrants and those who are fighting to protect them. “I think the American dream sometimes becomes a nightmare,” an immigrant remarks. Another character just can’t understand why a mother “who has been through hell” isn’t allowed to live with her children in the U.S.
It’s worth noting that many of the undocumented immigrants included in the “Immigration Nation” trailer do not speak English, and the spot does not automatically provide subtitles to their commentary. This makes the trailer seem more aligned with ICE and English-speakers than with the other characters — whether Netflix and the filmmakers intended this or not.
Clusiau and Schwarz also executive produced “Immigration Nation.” They previously directed and shot “Trophy,” a doc examining poaching and wildlife conservation.
In an interview with Women and Hollywood, Clusiau advised female directors to never quit. “If someone shuts the door on you, climb through the window,” she said. “It may sound cliché, but it takes a lot of perseverance and resilience to keep going on a project.”
“Immigration Nation” hits Netflix August 3.
