Ep 15. Zero Tolerance

Zero Tolerance is an episode from the 38th season of the acclaimed investigative journalism series Frontline. The episode delves into the controversial immigration policies implemented by the Trump administration, particularly the "Zero Tolerance" policy that separated thousands of migrant families at the US-Mexico border.

The episode begins by providing context to the issue, explaining how the Trump administration declared a "Zero Tolerance" policy in April 2018 with the aim of deterring illegal immigration. Under this policy, anyone who crossed the border illegally would be prosecuted as a criminal, which resulted in the separation of children from their parents who were held in separate detention facilities. The episode goes on to explore how the immigration system had already been under strain prior to the implementation of the "Zero Tolerance" policy and how this policy ultimately led to an unprecedented crisis.

The episode features interviews with various individuals involved in the issue such as immigration advocates, federal officials, and journalists. These interviews provide different perspectives and insights into the matter, shedding light on how the policy was initially conceived, how it was implemented, and the impact it had on the families involved.

Frontline also highlights the impact of the "Zero Tolerance" policy on individuals by profiling specific cases. The episode interviews a mother who was separated from her young son for weeks and a young boy who was separated from his father for months. These personal accounts are emotional and heartbreaking, vividly illustrating the human impact of a policy that was ostensibly designed to protect the border.

In addition to these personal stories, Frontline also investigates the systemic consequences of the policy. The episode talks to federal officials tasked with implementing the policy and examines the difficulties they faced due to the scale of the policy. The episode also looks into how public outcry and court orders forced the Trump administration to back down from the policy and how efforts to reunite families have been fraught with challenges.

Zero Tolerance ultimately emphasizes the need for a more nuanced approach to immigration that takes into consideration the welfare of all involved parties. The episode underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in immigration policy-making, and highlights the difficulty of providing effective solutions to a complex issue. The episode concludes by suggesting possible alternatives to "Zero Tolerance," providing insights into the immigration policies of other countries and situating the US situation within the broader global context.

Overall, Zero Tolerance is a powerful and insightful exploration of one of the most controversial policies of the Trump administration. It offers a thorough and balanced look at the policy, examining the human, societal, and political implications and underscoring the need for a more compassionate and nuanced approach to immigration.