Episode
Frontline: Status: Venezuelan/Surviving CECOT
Overview
FRONTLINE and ProPublica tell the story of one Venezuelan family in Florida trying to stay together — and stay in the U.S. legally — as they navigate the shifting legal immigration landscape under the Trump administration’s policies. Also in this hour, the stories of men sent to a notorious prison in El Salvador.
Details
- Series
- Frontline
- Season
- Season 44
- Episode
- Episode 16
- Air date
- 2025-12-09
- Runtime
- 54 min
Episode context
Status: Venezuelan/Surviving CECOT is Episode 16 in Season 44 of Frontline. It aired on 2025-12-09. The runtime is 54 min.
Previous / Next
Episode 15: 2,000 Meters to Andriivka
A stunning portrayal of war in the trenches from the Oscar®-winning team behind 20 Days in Mariupol. With The Associated Press, combat bodycam-footage and powerful moments of reflection, following a Ukrainian platoon trying to liberate a village.
Episode 17: Strike on Iran: The Nuclear Question
Using rare on-the-ground access in Iran and in-depth forensic analysis, FRONTLINE, The Washington Post, Evident Media and Bellingcat conduct an immersive investigation of Iran’s nuclear program in the aftermath of the U.S. and Israeli strikes.
More episodes from this season
Episode 14: Drug War in Ecuador
A look at efforts to stem the violence in Ecuador, a nation gripped by drug cartels and a military crackdown, with rare access to gang recruits, police, politicians and families caught in the crossfire.
Episode 13: The Rise of Germany's New Right
An investigation into how far-right leaders in Germany have risen to the brink of power. Filmmaker Evan Williams (Germany’s Enemy Within, Germany’s Neo-Nazis & the Far Right) examines the reasons behind the surge in support for the far right's brand of hardline nationalist politics, and the roles of Russia and the U.S.
Episode 12: The Rise of RFK Jr.
The dramatic and controversial rise of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. How the scion of a storied dynasty endured tragedy and scandal, broke with the Democratic Party and his family, stoked conspiracy theories, and is reshaping government and public health.
Episode 11: Born Poor
An indelible look at the realities of growing up poor in America. Filmed over 14 years with kids from three families, from adolescents to adults with kids of their own, navigating an economy with more obstacles than opportunities.
Episode 10: Remaking the Middle East: The U.S., Israel & Iran
FRONTLINE examines how Israel ended up fighting wars in Gaza and Iran — and the role of the United States. From filmmakers James Jacoby and Anya Bourg, the documentary traces Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long campaign to defeat Iran, the conflict with the Palestinians, and Netanyahu's difficult relations with the U.S. over peace and Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Episode 9: Trump's Power & The Rule of Law
The high stakes showdown between President Donald Trump and the courts over presidential power; insight from Trump allies, opponents and experts on how he tests the extent of his power, the legal pushback and impact on the rule of law.
Episode 8: Syria After Assad
FRONTLINE examines Syria’s uncertain future under jihadist-turned-statesman Ahmad al-Sharaa. After the fall of Bashar al-Assad, correspondent Martin Smith travels the country tracing al-Sharaa’s rise to power and the emerging threats to the country’s stability.
Episode 7: Syria's Detainee Files
FRONTLINE investigates the Assad regime’s arrest, torture and execution of detainees during the Syrian war. Former prisoners, guards, soldiers and intelligence officials shed new light on atrocities carried out during Bashar al-Assad’s reign.
Episode 6: Hurricane Helene's Deadly Warning
A look into how Hurricane Helene became an ominous warning about America's lack of preparedness, and how and why the U.S. is more vulnerable than ever to climate change-related storms.
Episode 5: Antidote
An award-winning film that exposes the cost of opposing Vladimir Putin. FRONTLINE presents the stories of an investigative journalist and a political activist putting their lives on the line standing up to the Kremlin and the consequences.