Three-Part ICE Documentary Premieres
New series examines federal immigration operations in Minneapolis and Chicago through interviews and court records.
By Renata Mehta ·
Local journalists have completed a three-part documentary series examining federal immigration enforcement actions in the Midwest. The project, titled Thin I.C.E., focuses on operations conducted in Minneapolis and Chicago during the current administration.
The first episode, named Worst of the Worst, airs today on FOX 9 and FOX LOCAL. It is also available on demand via the FOX 9 YouTube channel. The series draws on nearly three dozen interviews with immigrants, immigration attorneys, former Department of Justice officials, and a sitting federal judge.
The production team analyzed hundreds of court records and reviewed hours of body video footage from the field. These materials form the evidentiary base for the series narrative. The episodes address constitutional challenges, violent tactics, and deadly shootings associated with the surge.
Immigration attorney David Wilson stated that the agency did not prioritize the most dangerous offenders. He argued that agents targeted the easiest subjects instead. Rep. Walter Hudson of Albertville acknowledged that former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem adopted a dragnet approach during the operation. Hudson said Noem seemed most concerned with securing headlines regarding arrest counts.
Administration officials and supporters frequently described the targets as rapists and murderers. However, the documentary notes that most detainees lacked criminal records. Among those with prior convictions, many were already in state or federal custody at the time of apprehension.
The remaining two episodes will air on a weekly schedule. Part II, titled Domestic Terrorists, is scheduled for November 11. Part III, titled Chaos, will air on November 18. FOX 9 requested interviews with Minnesota Republican members of Congress for the series, but they either declined or did not respond.
The series concludes its initial broadcast run in two weeks. The final episode will complete the examination of the operational strategies and legal outcomes from the Midwest surge.
Source: FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul
