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“Homeland Security USA,” is a new “reality” show that will premiere on ABC television tonight. With 13 shows ordered for its first season, the series claims to be based on the daily tasks federal workers carry out for the government department formed in the wake of the September 11th attacks. The controversial Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE is one of the many agencies that will be highlighted and some episodes will feature federal workers searching for undocumented immigrants crossing the U.S. – Mexico border. Despite showcasing a government department that has faced lawsuits including those filed for immigrant deaths in its detention facilities, the show’s producer, Arnold Shapiro, whose previous credits include, “Big Brother,” has claimed that “Homeland Security USA” is apolitical and not government propaganda. Howver, according to the Associated Press, the Department was allowed to prescreen episodes before being aired. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has also ignited controversy in the public media, purchasing underwriting on NPR for its E-Verify program which is set to go into effect this month.

GUEST: Arnoldo Garcia, Enforcement Project Director, National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. For more information visit www.nnirr.org.