Ep 10. Death At Parchman & Undocumented

In the tenth episode of season 7 of the documentary series Vice, titled "Death At Parchman & Undocumented," the show investigates two separate stories related to systemic injustice in the United States.

The first story focuses on the Mississippi State Penitentiary, also known as Parchman Farm, which has been plagued by a series of violent incidents and deaths in recent years. The episode explores the harsh conditions and overcrowding of the prison, which houses almost three times its intended capacity, and the lack of resources and staff to properly maintain it. The show also delves into the racial dynamics of the prison, with most inmates being Black and many of the guards being white. Interviews with former inmates, family members of those who have died in Parchman, and advocates for prison reform shed light on the dire situation and expose the mistreatment, abuse, and negligence that occur in the facility. The episode also features the work of activist groups such as the Mississippi Prison Reform Coalition and the litigation brought against the state of Mississippi by the Southern Poverty Law Center, who argue that the prison violates the Eighth Amendment's ban on cruel and unusual punishment. Through this story, Vice highlights the urgent need for comprehensive criminal justice reform to address the systemic issues in the US prison system.

The second story examines the experiences of undocumented immigrants who are at risk of deportation under the Trump administration's restrictive immigration policies. The episode follows the story of the Ramirez family, who have lived in the US for over 20 years and who are facing the threat of separation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The show explores the emotional toll of the uncertainty and fear that many undocumented immigrants face, as well as the practical challenges of navigating a complex and often hostile legal system. The episode also discusses the Trump administration's efforts to end the DACA program and the impact it would have on over 700,000 Dreamers, young undocumented immigrants who came to the US as children. Interviews with immigration lawyers, activists, and DACA recipients provide different perspectives on the issue and reveal the human cost of the current immigration policies. Through this story, Vice brings attention to the urgent need for a compassionate and just immigration policy that recognizes the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their citizenship status.

Overall, "Death At Parchman & Undocumented" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that tackles two pressing social and political issues in the US. Through its compelling storytelling and informative reporting, the show sheds light on the complex and often overlooked situations of incarcerated individuals and undocumented immigrants, and it urges viewers to engage in meaningful action to address these injustices.