A new joint investigation from The Associated Press and Frontline examines conditions inside the growing network of federally-funded shelter programs for migrant children in the U.S. and the lasting impact of detention on vulnerable kids.
The documentary film “Kids Caught in the Crackdown” will air on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 10 p.m. ET on PBS and online. A corresponding AP story will also be published.
The report draws on confidential government data obtained by AP that reveals how many migrant children are being held — and where — at any given time, and explores how policy changes have allowed children to be held in detention for longer periods. Under President Donald Trump, the number of migrant children in government custody has climbed to record levels.
With unique access inside migrant detention facilities in the U.S., including a “tender age” shelter holding some of the youngest children, the documentary shows what happens when a child apprehended by Customs and Border Protection is handed over to the Department of Health and Human Services.
AP’s collaboration with Frontline also includes jointly published news stories and video.
