Oscar-winning filmmaker Laura Poitras reveals her latest documentary, 'They’re Here,' at the Venice Film Festival, highlighting ICE violence in America.
During the Venice Film Festival on September 7, 2026, Laura Poitras unveiled her latest documentary, They’re Here, co-directed with Rachel Lauren Mueller. The film aims to illuminate the pervasive violence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis through the lens of horror and dystopian themes.
Poitras, an acclaimed filmmaker who won an Oscar for Citizenfour, expressed her motivations, stating, "What we're seeing in the United States is a nightmare." This documentary serves not only to document events but also to confront the normalization of ICE's violence in contemporary America.
They’re Here offers a critical examination of the Minneapolis resistance movement against ICE’s aggressive tactics. The film seeks to portray the emotional and societal impacts of ICE's operations, a topic that has become increasingly relevant in the current political climate. This 25-minute documentary explores how, in 2025, residents lived under the constant threat of these paramilitary operations.
Poitras detailed that the film's structure merges elements of dystopian cinema with real-life footage, aiming to evoke a visceral response from the audience. "We were using genres of horror to take us closer to reality," she explained, emphasizing the aim of transforming viewers’ perceptions of ongoing violence against immigrants. This artistic approach reflects not only her filmmaking prowess but also her deep commitment to social justice.
Screening They’re Here in the nonfiction and special presentations segment of the festival at Sala Grande positions the film to reach a broad audience while encouraging dialogue about immigration issues. By presenting stark realities through a cinematic lens, the film is expected to provoke critical discussions among festival-goers and beyond.
The documentary has been produced with the support of ARTE France and was notably inspired by the courage of the Minneapolis community during a tumultuous period. Poitras and Mueller articulated a profound sense of solidarity with the immigrant community in Minneapolis, reinforcing a communal narrative that resonates with many viewers.
In her remarks, Poitras outlined the necessity of addressing ICE's activities at a time when such violence is often rendered invisible by mainstream media. “We believe very strongly in the power of cinema to denormalize this violence and to show what’s happening,” she stated, advocating for the roles filmmakers can play in shaping public consciousness.
The filmmakers highlighted the community's successful resistance efforts, indicating that approximately 80% of ICE agents in Minneapolis were removed in response to organized local action. Despite this progress, they acknowledged the unresolved challenges, noting that ICE's budget remains substantial and abductions have reached historic highs. This dual perspective of hope and despair serves as an underlying theme of the documentary.
They’re Here thus emerges as not just a film but a clarion call for heightened awareness and advocacy around immigration issues within the United States.
The documentary They’re Here underscores the urgent need for public discourse surrounding immigration enforcement. By shining a light on the darker realities faced by communities affected by ICE, Laura Poitras and Rachel Lauren Mueller are positioning their film to challenge and engage audiences meaningfully. As it screens at Venice, its ultimate reach and impact remain to be fully realized, but it certainly aims to stir vital conversations about rights, safety, and community solidarity.
For more on films addressing contemporary issues, check out our coverage of Freddie Fox's 'Into the Breach' and Elizabeth Holmes Documentary 'You Can See Everything'.
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