Mike Smith
Here’s everything you need to know about the HBO documentary Critical Incident: Death at the Border, which investigates the 2010 death of Anastasio Hernández-Rojas and uncovers the hidden systems that shaped the official response.
How to watch Critical Incident: Death at the Border outside the US on HBO Max
To watch Critical Incident: Death at the Border outside the United States, use a reliable VPN and connect to a US server. Once connected, sign in to HBO Max and stream the documentary online.
- Subscribe to NordVPN
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a US-based server.
- Open HBO Max website, then login or sign up for a new account.
- You are all set to watch Critical Incident: Death at the Border documentary!
Critical Incident: Death at the Border Synopsis
Critical Incident: Death at the Border is a 2025 documentary that investigates the 2010 death of Anastasio Hernández-Rojas, an undocumented Mexican immigrant who died while in U.S. Border Patrol custody at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
The film revisits the night Hernández-Rojas was detained after attempting to reenter the United States and follows the events that led to his violent death, which was partially captured on eyewitness video. As previously unseen footage emerges, journalists, civil rights attorneys, and Hernández’s family members begin to challenge the official account provided by federal authorities. The documentary traces the investigation from the border region to Washington, D.C., uncovering allegations of evidence tampering, erased recordings, and the involvement of now-defunct Border Patrol Critical Incident Teams. Through interviews, legal records, and investigative reporting, the film exposes how these internal units allegedly worked to shield agents from accountability and reveals broader questions about oversight, unchecked power, and human rights violations within one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the United States.
When Does Critical Incident: Death at the Border Premiere?
Critical Incident: Death at the Border premiered on December 29, 2025 on HBO Max.
Where to Watch Critical Incident: Death at the Border in the US
In the United States, you can watch Critical Incident: Death at the Border by streaming it on HBO Max. The documentary is also available through Hulu with Max.
Where to Watch Critical Incident: Death at the Border in Canada
In Canada, Critical Incident: Death at the Border is available to stream on Crave, where subscribers can watch the full documentary online at any time.
Who Is John Carlos Frey?
John Carlos Frey is an investigative journalist, on-screen contributor, and former actor whose work spans both documentary journalism and scripted television. He is best known for appearing as himself in hard-hitting nonfiction projects that examine government accountability, media truth, and civil rights, including All Governments Lie: Truth, Deception, and the Spirit of I.F. Stone and Critical Incident: Death at the Border. Earlier in his career, he also worked as an actor, with roles in films and television series such as Freaky Friday, Party of Five, Married… with Children, The Practice, and The Gatekeeper, before shifting his primary focus toward investigative reporting and documentary storytelling.
Can You Watch Critical Incident: Death at the Border Documentary Online for Free?
Yes. Viewers in the United States may be able to watch Critical Incident: Death at the Border for free by using a Hulu free trial and adding the Max add-on during the trial period.
Is Critical Incident: Death at the Border Suitable for All Ages?
The documentary is intended for mature audiences due to its graphic subject matter, real-world violence, and discussions of death, abuse of authority, and human rights violations. It is not recommended for children or younger viewers, and parental discretion is strongly advised.
Where Can I Download Critical Incident: Death at the Border Full Documentary?
Critical Incident: Death at the Border can be legally downloaded for offline viewing through HBO Max using the platform’s official mobile app.
On What Devices Can You Watch HBO Max?
HBO Max is supported on a wide range of devices, making it easy to stream the documentary at home or on the go.
| Device Category | Supported Devices |
|---|---|
| Mobile Devices | iPhone, iPad, Android phones, Android tablets |
| Streaming Devices | Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast |
| Smart TVs | Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, Android TV |
| Game Consoles | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One |
| Web Browsers | Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge |
FAQs
Who directed Critical Incident: Death at the Border?
The documentary is directed by Rick Rowley, an investigative filmmaker known for socially and politically focused documentaries.
Is Critical Incident: Death at the Border based on real events?
Yes. The documentary is based entirely on real events surrounding the 2010 death of Anastasio Hernández-Rojas and the investigations that followed.
Does the film include real video footage from the incident?
The documentary incorporates eyewitness video and archival material that played a crucial role in reopening questions about what happened during Hernández-Rojas’s detention.
What are Critical Incident Teams mentioned in the documentary?
Critical Incident Teams were specialized internal units within the Border Patrol tasked with investigating serious incidents involving agents, which the film alleges were used to limit accountability before being disbanded.
Trailer
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