14,000 AND COUNTING
MISSING CHILDHOODS


In 2017 there were 2,400 immigrant children being detained by the United States. As of November 28, 2018, the number was over 14,000 and counting.

This art installation represented the over 14,000 children who were being detained by the U.S. government at the time of creation. The milk cartons were a nod to the missing children campaign that ran throughout the U.S. from the early 80’s to the late 90’s. Each carton was a visual representation of an immigrant child being held in detention centers across the country.  The text on the cartons represented what they were missing - their family, community, and most importantly their childhood.

Many of the families and children sought refuge from poverty and violence. American corporations made around $750 per day to house each child in prison-like conditions. We encouraged everyone to spread awareness and demand change. The sign on site, next to the installation, and the website were in English and Spanish and provided more information about the issue and broader context for the issue with possible solutions.

ABOUT 72U
72U is a creative residency housed within the global advertising agency 72andSunny. 72U’s mission is to create positive social change through radical creativity while exploring the intersection of art, technology, and culture. 

THE TEAM
Traecy Smith, Catherine Roscart, Tyler Hicks, Ginger Quintanilla, Daniel Kim, Jacqueline Miller, Federico Zoppei, Raja Mani, Wale Agboola, Taylor Alley, Cristina Marquez,  IM Creations, NowArt L.A.

MY ROLE IN THE PROJECT
Product Designer/ Art Director

SELECTED PRESS
Adweek
Buzzfeed’s “Pero Like”
Mitú
72andSunny