Oscar-winning filmmaker Laura Poitras has shaken the New York Film Festival with 'They’re Here.' This visceral short documentary strips away the veil of secrecy surrounding brutal federal raids against the Somali community in the U.S., shedding light on systemic violence and the tragic death of Alex Pretti.

A Cinematic Blow Against Injustice

Documentary cinema strikes a powerful chord once again. Laura Poitras, the acclaimed Oscar winner known for her fearless investigative work, has teamed up with journalist Rachel Lauren Mueller to premiere the shocking short film "They’re Here" at the New York Film Festival.

In just 24 minutes, the work serves as a visceral testimony to "Operation Metro Surge"—a border control campaign executed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during the Trump administration in the "Twin Cities" (Minneapolis and Saint Paul), Minnesota.

For those unfamiliar with the term, the Twin Cities refers to the metropolitan area of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, a region known for its progressive political climate and diverse immigrant populations. According to the film, the objective of the operation was clear: to expel Somali immigrants from the region and destabilize the local progressive political environment.

The Logistics of Fear

The film doesn't shy away from the raw details of the violence deployed over three grueling winter months. It showcases the massive deployment of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and CBP (Customs and Border Protection) agents.

! Violent Repression: Use of smoke bombs and pepper spray against citizens.
! Human Tragedy: The harrowing account of the death of Alex Pretti at the hands of federal agents.
! Dehumanization: Footage of detainees chained and dressed in prison jumpsuits being transported from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.
! Human Voices: Intimate testimonies from residents like "Liz Lemon" and Latin American immigrant "Edén Villa."

Accountability in Focus

The piece puts a face to authority, visually identifying federal officer Greg Bovino confronting protesters. This evidence was possible thanks to visual material provided by aircraft spotter Nick Benson and data journalist Josh Begley.

The film links this struggle to a broader history of resistance in Minnesota, echoing the American Indian Movement and the deaths of Philando Castile and George Floyd.

Work Directors Location Premiere
They’re Here Laura Poitras & Rachel L. Mueller Minnesota, USA New York Film Festival 2026

Source: IMAGO