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Genres
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Premiere DateJuly 10, 2008
Customs: Fighting Crime at the Border is an engaging and hard-hitting documentary series that immerses viewers into the high-pressure, often harrowing lives of U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. Shot in various points of entry, the series offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges, controversies, and triumphs faced by officers every day as they work to prevent drugs, weapons, and criminals from entering the country.
Each episode of Customs: Fighting Crime at the Border is packed with tense moments, as officers risk their lives and reputations in pursuit of smugglers and their illicit cargo. From the drug cartels trafficking narcotics from Mexico to the violent clashes that arise from immigration debates, the show does not shy away from the difficult issues that face border officers.
The series takes a verite approach, with cameras embedded with officers as they go about their daily duties. This allows viewers to see things as they happen, unfiltered and unedited, and brings a refreshing, raw energy to the series. It also makes it easier for viewers to understand the complex procedures and protocols that officers must follow to ensure safety and compliance.
One of the strengths of the series is how it shows the human side of the officers. We see their frustrations, their fears, and their determination to do good. This is a side of border control that is often ignored by the media, who often depict officers as uncaring, robotic, or worse. However, Customs: Fighting Crime at the Border shows a different side to these men and women, often revealing them to be empathetic, inclusive, and committed to protecting both the physical and emotional safety of those they apprehend.
Customs: Fighting Crime at the Border also discusses the political context surrounding the issues at the border. With every episode, we see how the wider political landscape affects the day-to-day workings of border officers. A change in leadership, a new policy, or a shift in priorities can mean big changes in how the officers do their jobs â and the issues they face.
Throughout the series, vieweres see officers trying to balance two objectives: to enforce the law and to protect the basic human rights of the people they encounter. There are no easy answers, and the show acknowledges this by showing the complexities of the issues, even when it might seem controversial or uncomfortable.
Ultimately, Customs: Fighting Crime at the Border provides a gripping and insightful look at the work of border officers. It's an important series because it brings the viewer closer to the people behind the headlines and soundbites, and offers a nuanced perspective on some of the most pressing issues of the day. By the end of the series, viewers are given a more empathetic understanding of the challenges, both physical and emotional, that these men and women face every day as they work to keep their country safe.











