CBS Reports Season 4 Episode 15 The Faces of Family Separation
- October 7, 2019
The episode "The Faces of Family Separation" from season 4 of CBS Reports is a gut-wrenching exploration of the emotional toll taken on families who are separated at the U.S.-Mexico border. The episode follows several families, some of whom have been separated for months, as they navigate the complicated and often confusing process of reunification.
Through interviews with immigration lawyers, border patrol agents, and representatives from organizations working with immigrants, the episode sheds light on the bureaucratic hurdles and legal roadblocks that keep families separated for extended periods of time. But it's the personal stories of the families themselves that pack the most emotional punch.
Viewers meet a young girl who was separated from her mother and siblings for weeks, and who now struggles with anxiety and nightmares. They hear from a father who was deported to Mexico after living in the U.S. for over a decade, leaving his American-born children behind. And they witness the joy and relief of a mother who is finally reunited with her son, who was taken from her arms by border patrol agents.
The episode also touches on the larger political and social context that has led to this crisis, including the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" policy that resulted in the mass separation of families. But it's clear that the focus is on the human impact of these policies, and the heart-wrenching stories of those who have been affected.
Despite the difficult subject matter, there are moments of hope and resilience throughout the episode. Viewers see the tireless work of volunteers who are helping families navigate the system, and the love and resilience of the families themselves. "The Faces of Family Separation" is a poignant and deeply affecting look at one of the most pressing issues of our time.