New Documentary Investigates Federal Immigration Crackdowns
A new documentary, Caught in the Crackdown, provides an in-depth look at the arrests, violence, and protests surrounding federal immigration sweeps in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis. This film, produced in collaboration with ProPublica, is now available for streaming on various platforms, including the PBS app. It highlights the tactics employed by federal agents, the suppression of protesters, and the ramifications for the communities caught in the crossfire.
Insights from A.C. Thompson on the Reporting Process
WTTW interviewed A.C. Thompson, a ProPublica staff reporter and Frontline correspondent, about the genesis of this project and his experiences during the reporting process. The interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Timing and Motivation Behind the Reporting
Thompson explained that reporting on immigration enforcement began in early June 2025. Following a major immigration sweep in Los Angeles that involved the mobilization of the National Guard, he and his team recognized the necessity of exploring the story’s deeper implications. They spent time in Los Angeles before moving on to cities like Portland, Chicago, and Minneapolis as the narrative developed.
Capturing On-the-Ground Moments
The documentary captures intense clashes between federal agents and protesters, much of which Thompson and his team recorded themselves. The collaborative efforts of various journalists were critical in documenting these events. Methods included monitoring Department of Homeland Security helicopters, tracking livestreams from activists, and engaging with community communication groups. Thompson noted that while producing the film was challenging and often frightening, it was also an extraordinary opportunity to bear witness to significant events as they unfolded.
Examining Gregory Bovino’s Impact
Thompson reveals the pivotal role Gregory Bovino played in shaping the federal government’s approach to immigration enforcement. As the division chief overseeing a small stretch of the Southern California border, Bovino began a controversial strategy of mass arrests far from his jurisdiction, targeting individuals with little prior contact with law enforcement. This method, which involved sweeping through cities rather than conducting planned operations, became a hallmark of immigration enforcement under Bovino’s leadership in multiple regions across the United States.
Diverging Responses Across Cities
Thompson discussed the differing dynamics he observed in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis. Initial tensions in Los Angeles evolved into heightened protest organization in Chicago as communities adapted to federal operations. In Minneapolis, the intensity escalated further following tragic incidents, including the death of activist Renee Goode. By this point, instances of violence had become more pronounced, culminating in federal agents’ fatal confrontation with activist Alex Preti, marking a significant shift in the landscape of immigration enforcement.
The Role of Government Messaging
The film also shines a light on the federal government’s narrative surrounding immigration operations. During an October 2025 protest in Broadview, Illinois, federal authorities, including former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, were seen managing the scene alongside camera crews, amplifying a portrayal of protesters as aggressive extremists. The film challenges these narratives, revealing discrepancies between the government’s claims and the actual events on the ground, prompting discussions about the spread of disinformation.
Current State of Immigration Operations
Thompson noted a shift in the approach of federal immigration authorities, as operations have become less visible and more subdued, reminiscent of past enforcement tactics. Although federal agents remain active, the current landscape is devoid of the sweeping street operations seen previously, raising ongoing concerns among communities regarding immigration enforcement practices.
Reflections on the Documentary’s Broader Implications
Thompson emphasizes that the documentary seeks to highlight a disturbing trend in American policing — a fusion of military and law enforcement techniques that recalls authoritarian practices. His observations reflect significant setbacks in the quest for accountability within modern policing, accentuated by the government’s reliance on propaganda and disinformation. By documenting these complex issues, Thompson and his team aim to provide clarity in a time of confusion and misinformation.
