Activists discover immigrant children are being detained in a former medium-security prison in TexasThe Least of These explores one of the most controversial aspects of American immigration policy: family detention. As part of the Bush administration policy to end what they termed the “catch and release’” of undocumented immigrants, the U.S. government opened the T. Don Hutto Residential Center in May 2006 as a prototype family detention facility. The facility is a former medium-security prison in central Texas operated by CCA, the largest private prison operator in the country. The facility houses immigrant children and their parents from all over the world who are awaiting asylum hearings or deportation proceedings. The facility was initially activated with little media attention or public knowledge. Soon, however, immigration attorney Barbara Hines was contacted by detainees seeking representation, and she became increasingly concerned about the troubling conditions there. She joined forces with Vanita Gupta of the ACLU and Michelle Brané of the Women’s Refugee Commission to investigate conditions and seek changes. Their efforts were initially hampered by a lack of openness and oversight within the Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) organization. Undeterred, the three attorneys attempted to bring about changes in both policy and conditions, by making their findings public, encouraging involvement by activists and the media, and ultimately by filing a historic lawsuit.
As these events unfold, the film explores the government rationale for family detention, conditions at the facility, collateral damage, and the role (and limits) of community activism in bringing change. The film leads viewers to consider how core American rights and values – due process, presumption of innocence, upholding the family structure as the basic unit of civil society, and America as a refuge of last resort – should apply to immigrants, particularly children.
 The Least of These
Release Year: 2009 Duration: 62 min Availability: Worldwide Related: History, International, Politics, IndiePix The Least of These explores one of the most controversial aspects of American immigration policy: family detention. As part of the Bush administration policy to end what they termed the “catch and release’” of undocumented immigrants, the U.S. government opened the T. Don Hutto Residential Center in May 2006 as a prototype family detention facility. The facility is a former medium-security prison in central Texas operated by CCA, the largest private prison operator in the country. The facility houses immigrant children and their parents from all over the world who are awaiting asylum hearings or deportation proceedings. The facility was initially activated with little media attention or public knowledge. Soon, however, immigration attorney Barbara Hines was contacted by detainees seeking representation, and she became increasingly concerned about the troubling conditions there. She joined forces with Vanita Gupta of the ACLU and Michelle Brané of the Women’s Refugee Commission to investigate conditions and seek changes. Their efforts were initially hampered by a lack of openness and oversight within the Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) organization. Undeterred, the three attorneys attempted to bring about changes in both policy and conditions, by making their findings public, encouraging involvement by activists and the media, and ultimately by filing a historic lawsuit.
As these events unfold, the film explores the government rationale for family detention, conditions at the facility, collateral damage, and the role (and limits) of community activism in bringing change. The film leads viewers to consider how core American rights and values – due process, presumption of innocence, upholding the family structure as the basic unit of civil society, and America as a refuge of last resort – should apply to immigrants, particularly children.
Directed by Clark Lyda and Jesse Lyda Produced by Marcy Garriott , Clark Lyda and Jesse Lyda Director of Photography and Co-Producer John Fiege Editor Amy Foote The Least of These Blog
Posted 08/06/09 by Marcy Garriott
The Obama administration announced on August 6 that it will overhaul the nation’s immigrant detention system. One immediate change: the government will stop sending families to the T. Don Hutto Residential Center, the former medium-security prison near Austin, TX that is the subject of “The Least of These.” This outcome is a result of a unique collaboration of advocacy efforts, involving grassroots organizing, litigation, public education, and legislative efforts. Congratulations to all who helped bring about change. Many concerns about detention … More >
Posted 07/13/09 by Marcy Garriott
Last month the U.S. House of Representatives passed the 2010 appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security (H.R. 2892). The accompanying report to the bill stated that the Appropriations Committee… ...believes that detention is not generally appropriate for families and is concerned that the Department does not routinely make Alternatives to Detention available to families it takes into custody. In addition, while the Committee is pleased that ICE developed and implemented detention standards for families held in its custody, it … More >
Posted 05/13/09 by Marcy Garriott
Many thanks to SnagFilms for connecting us to the Center for American Progress, which hosted a standing-room-only screening on May 11, with a panel discussion hosted by new VP for immigration Angie Kelley. The level of energy and engagement in DC is extraordinary right now. Click HERE for a link to the 5 minute CAP video about the film. Click HERE to watch a video of the full panel discussion. Photos: Filmmakers Clark Lyda, Marcy Garriott, Jesse Lyda in Washington DC: … More >
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Comments Posted 11/07/09 by terry
this whole mess is about responsibility. it is the responsibility of each nation to care for its citizens. if they refuse to meet their responsibility for whatever reason it does not by default become the reponsibility of the u.s. simply because they get inside our borders illegally. do i get a kick out of foreign people being abused by their own country - no. ask the people of nicaragua if they would welcome millions of poor, uneducated vietnamese, nigerians and lithuanians? their response will be “hell no!!” why are americans expected to care and pay for the well-being of anyone that chooses to come here without authorization? Posted 10/21/09 by strungoutfromtheroad
This is America, or should I say was America. Does anyone remember what is written on the Statue of Liberty? ---- “Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
Posted 10/19/09 by andy
they still make baby’s....they get feed ...all this for free on mmy taxed dollars...my mother in law 89 years old nurseing home thousnads and thousands of dollars pays and all she is allowed 50 dollars a month...but you want me to support these ileagl’s.your all full of poop....tie their tubes and casterate their men. and send them back to where they came from..i am tired of spending tax dollars on the worlds poor...i also believe your ACLU should be casterated...male and female and who ever belives in you |
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