Lives in cages: A media analysis of incarceration experiences across generations on the US-Mexico border

Mills, Jack; Velez Oliveira, Raquel; Gomes, Silvia

Abstract

This chapter examines media narratives on the incarceration experiences of migrant families in detention
centers on the US–Mexico border. Past literature analyses perceptions of migrants as a whole or focuses on
adult detainees, being there is a lack of research on perceptions towards migrant children and families. By
comparing three major media outlets in the US—CNN, FOX, and CBS—a thematic analysis is conducted
to explore (i) how migrants are portrayed, either adults, children or several generations of migrant families,
(ii) how their incarceration experiences are conveyed by the media, and (iii) what are the possible
differences present in the various media outlets under analysis. We further discuss how the media portrays
these different generations of migrants being held in migration detention centers, and how this may impact
the public views of migrants.

• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Deposit Date: Sep 1, 2021
• Series Title: Incarceration and Generation
• Series Number: Volume II
• Book Title: Incarceration and Generation
• ISBN: 9783030822750
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-82276-7
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/7731084
• Publisher URL: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007%2F978-3-030-82276-7
• Contract Date: Dec 15, 2020