NBC Chicago and Telemundo Chicago have collaborated on a poignant documentary titled Desde Cero: The Migrant Journey in Chicago, which sheds light on the personal stories of asylum seekers arriving in Chicago from Venezuela.
The documentary, anchored by reporters Sandra Torres, Ivon Espitia, and Senior Digital Producer DS Shin, follows the journey of two Venezuelan families and other individuals over six months, offering an intimate look at their lives as they navigate the challenges of seeking asylum in the United States.
Since August 2022, Chicago has welcomed tens of thousands of migrants, most of them from Venezuela, with the city spending nearly $300 million to house, feed, and provide care. Desde Cero explores what life is like for these migrants once they arrive, highlighting the human toll behind the ongoing migrant crisis.
The documentary features personal accounts from families like Maria’s, who arrived in Chicago with her husband and two young sons in April 2023. Upon arrival, she was shocked to see tents filled with people, including children sleeping in the cold. The documentary also focuses on another Venezuelan family of eight, who endured months of perilous travel before finding temporary shelter in Chicago. Watch the trailer below:
One of the central figures of the documentary, former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, candidly reflects on the immense pressure Chicago faced during her administration, including declaring a State of Emergency due to the overwhelming influx of migrants.
The film provides historical context as well, with Chicago Urban Historian Shermann Dilla Thomas discussing the treatment of past generations of migrants in the city and how similar challenges resurface today.
Desde Cero is available for viewing on NBC Chicago News’ streaming platforms, including Peacock, Roku, and Google TV. It’s a must-watch for those looking to understand the full scope of the migrant experience and Chicago’s response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
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