Enemies of the State chronicles the bizarre and intense true story of an American family who found themselves targeted by the U.S. government, leading them to seek refuge in Canada.
The Persecution of the DeHart Family
The core of Enemies of the State revolves around the dramatic events faced by Matt DeHart, a 25-year-old former Air National Guard member and hacker, and his parents. This compelling narrative, described as a story of "secrets and lies" by Sonia Kennebeck, delves into the harrowing ordeal that began in 2010.
The Initial Incident: A Federal Raid
The catalyst for their flight was a significant incident in 2010 when law enforcement raided the Indiana home shared by Matt DeHart and his parents. This raid marked the beginning of their entanglement with federal authorities, setting the stage for the unusual circumstances that followed.
Matt DeHart's Background
Matt DeHart's background as a hacker and a former member of the Air National Guard positioned him in a unique and vulnerable spot, making him a specific target for the US government. The film explores the intricate web of events stemming from this targeting.
Seeking Asylum in Canada
Following the intense pressure and targeting by the US government, the American family ultimately made the drastic decision to seek refuge in Canada. Their journey across the border for asylum forms a central part of the story, highlighting the extreme measures they took to escape what they perceived as government persecution.
Key Events Timeline:
Year | Event | Location | Key Individual | Outcome/Impact |
---|---|---|---|---|
2010 | Law enforcement raid | Indiana | Matt DeHart | Family targeted by US government |
Post-2010 | Family seeks refuge | Canada | DeHart Family | Flight from alleged government persecution |
The film explores the complex layers of this story, shedding light on the family's struggle, the government's pursuit, and the lengths to which individuals might go when caught in a web of national secrets.