In late 2017, in the name of "zero tolerance," President Donald Trump introduced a policy of separating parents and children who crossed the Southern border and requested asylum in the United States. In all, an estimated 5,500 children were taken from their parents and many were held in detention facilities, some of which had been constructed by the Obama administration. Over 1,000 children are still unaccounted for by the federal government. The policy ended in 2018 after massive public outcry. The zero tolerance policy is the subject of Separated, a new documentary by Academy Award–winning filmmaker Errol Morris. It has aired on MSNBC and will be available for streaming on December 17. Reason's Nick Gillespie talks with Morris and journalist Jacob Soboroff, whose book on the controversy inspired the film. They discuss how family separation became policy and whether it acted as a deterrent, America's long and ambivalent relationship with legal and illegal immigration, and what Trump's second term will mean for immigration policy. 0:00- Introduction 2:15- Trump's 'zero-tolerance' immigration policy 5:33- Jacob Soboroff's book 9:33- Who was really behind the child separation policy? 13:09- State-created orphans and the asylum process 15:04- Immigration policies through U.S. history 18:31- American attitudes towards immigration v implemented policies 21:21- Ad: ZBiotics 23:07- Anti-immigration rhetoric escalated during the 2024 election 29:15- 'Border Czar' Tom Homan 32:15- Stephen Miller, Elaine Duke & Kirsten Nielsen 37:35- Nielsen's replacement, Kristi Noem 39:42- The Dunning-Kruger administration? 40:57- Expertise vs. disruption 44:43- How to change attitudes toward immigration   Previous appearances: "Errol Morris on Steve Bannon, Donald Trump, Theranos, and Cancel Culture," November 8, 2019 "Errol Morris on Donald Rumsfeld, The Unknown Known, and Evidence-Based Journalism," April 12, 2014 Today's sponsor: ZBiotics. ZBiotics Pre-Alcohol Probiotic Drink is the world's first genetically engineered probiotic. It was invented by Ph.D. scientists to tackle rough mornings after drinking. Make ZBiotics your first drink of the night, drink responsibly, and you'll feel your best tomorrow. Get 15 percent off by going to ZBiotics/TRI and using the code TRI at checkout. Video Editor: Ian KeyserThe post Errol Morris and Jacob Soboroff: Trump's Immigration Policies Are Indefensible appeared first on Reason.com.

Brendan O'Neill, chief political writer for Spiked and author of "After the Pogrom," dives into the fallout from the October 7 Hamas attacks. He critiques the extreme left's embrace of Hamas, reflecting on historical shifts from secular nationalism to religious extremism. O'Neill discusses the complexities of cultural symbols like the keffiyeh and the misconceptions of Israel's identity. With a personal political evolution from Trotskyism to libertarianism, he underscores the need for increased individual power against societal constraints.

Martin Gurri, a former CIA analyst and author, dives into the chaos of modern politics, explaining his support for Trump in the context of a rapidly changing landscape. He contrasts chaos with control, drawing insights from the Arab Spring and the evolving role of social media in political resistance. Gurri discusses the transformation of communities in the digital age and the rise of new coalitions. He also warns of impending chaos while maintaining a long-term optimism for societal evolution and the potential for meaningful change.

Amanda Knox, an activist and writer wrongfully convicted of murder, shares her profound journey. She discusses the emotional scars of wrongful conviction and the media's sensationalism surrounding her case, emphasizing the need for greater media literacy. Knox reveals her ongoing struggle with the psychological fallout and her thoughts on the U.S. and Italian justice systems. She also touches on the ethical implications of true crime storytelling, expressing feelings of exploitation while advocating for respectful narratives that honor personal histories.

Hyrum and Verlan Lewis, college professors and co-authors of "The Myth of Left and Right," dive deep into the political landscape. They challenge the oversimplified left-right framework, urging a complex understanding of political identities. Discussing the GOP's evolution, they highlight the tensions within both major parties. The duo emphasizes the dangers of tribalism and advocates for pluralism in political discourse. They also explore how personal faith influences political beliefs, adding layers to today’s political divide.

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Faisal Saeed Al Mutar, co-founder of Ideas Beyond Borders, discusses his nonprofit's mission to promote freedom and market economics in the Middle East. He shares inspiring stories of entrepreneurs in Kurdistan and the effects of recent violence on regional peace efforts. Al Mutar reflects on growing up in Baghdad, addresses challenges like censorship, and highlights the importance of education for girls in Afghanistan. The conversation explores the complexities of U.S. intervention and the hope for liberalism amid prevailing authoritarianism.

Meghan McCain, a political commentator and former host on ABC's The View, shares her insights on the shifting GOP landscape and media biases. She discusses the challenges of being a non-MAGA conservative and her hopes for the 2024 election. McCain reflects on personal grievances related to political trauma and emphasizes the importance of humor in leadership. She critiques both parties' economic policies and highlights the need for financial responsibility among political leaders while advocating for a more nuanced dialogue in today's polarized climate.

Joining the discussion are Patrick Ruffini, a Republican pollster and author of "Party of the People," and Ruy Teixeira, a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and co-author of "Where Have All the Democrats Gone?" They explore how the working class has shifted allegiance from Democrats to Republicans and the challenges faced by Kamala Harris in re-engaging these voters. The conversation dives into evolving voter dynamics, the decline of traditional party loyalty, and the growing appeal of populism among younger demographics.