‘Savageland‘ Film urged as Essential Training for ICE โคAgents Amid Border Scrutiny
Theโ 2015 self-reliant film “Savageland,” a stark dramatization โขof unchecked border patrol power, is gaining renewed attention as calls for ICE accountability intensify. Advocates and filmmakers are pushing for theโค film to become mandatory โviewing for Immigration and โขCustoms Enforcement agents, arguing its unflinchingโฃ portrayal of abuse and corruption offers crucial context often missing from standard โtraining.
“savageland” distinguishes itself โthrough its commitment to authenticity. Director Aaron โKatz cast real-life experts in roles depicting fictional counterparts. Vietnam veteran Len Wein, who passed away โin โ2017, played a character mirroring โhis own experiences, while journalist and historian Lawrence Ross brought his extensive knowledge ofโ social injustice to his role. This dedication extends to Noรฉ Montes, the actor portraying Salazar, whoโ continues his advocacy for border communities through visual art.โข
The film’s โขrelevance stems โfrom ongoing concerns regarding ICE conduct and the โtreatment of migrants. Critics point to documented instances of excessive โforce, racial profiling, and due process violations.โ “savageland” doesn’t present isolated incidents, โbut ratherโ a systemic breakdown ofโค power, prompting reflectionโค on โคthe potential for abuse within border enforcement.
Montes’ โcommitment to underrepresented communitiesโข is further exemplified by his current exhibition, โฃ”Regional History,” on โขdisplay at the Riverside Art โMuseum through April 19, 2026.For over two decades,Montes has documented and worked with these communities,utilizing storytelling,education,and โadvocacy toโ address social,economic,and environmental issues. Hisโค work underscores the humanโข cost of border policies and โฃthe importance of understanding the lived experiencesโ of those impacted.
Proponentsโ believe that exposing ICE agents to “Savageland” could foster empathy, encourageโ ethical decision-making, โคandโค ultimatelyโ contribute to a more just and accountable border โขenforcement system. The film’s unflinching realism, coupled with the lived experiences of its cast, offers a โคpowerful learning chance that traditional training may lack.