Solemn Michael Avenatti describes 'tragic' scene on the border: 'The most difficult days of my career, perhaps of my life'

Attorney Michael Avenatti is now representing nearly 70 families who were separated at the U.S. Border as a result of President Donald Trump's zero-tolerance policy.

During an interview with MSNBC's Rachel Maddow, Avenatti recounted the "tragic" experience he had in the immigrant detention center. While visiting he was able to get never before seen footage.

"I was contacted about seven to ten days ago by a family in California who had a mother who had been detained and had been separated from her child," he said. "I agreed to enter the fight on her behalf. And once that became known, a number of other families contacted my office as well as some not for profits. And I presently represent over 60 mothers and over 70 children."

He went on to say that it was the most difficult experience of his career.

"I spent a considerable amount of time last week, Rachel, down in Laredo and other detention centers meeting with mothers. The most difficult days of my career, perhaps of my life. Listening to mother after mother tell me their stories of literally having their children ripped from their side in connection with this separation policy," he said.

Avenatti continued: "This is a very serious matter. I've dealt with a lot of emotion and drama in my legal career. Rachel, I've never seen anything quite like this. It is tragic.

He says the real truth about what is going on is "ugly."

"One of the things that is most upsetting to me, frankly, is that the government is purposely not allowing you and others to do your job," he said. "And that is, to bring the reality of this to light. And the reason why they don't want that to come to light is because it's ugly. It's really ugly. If you could accompany me to interview some of these mothers, and of course they won't allow you in the facilities, they won't allow any of the media in the facilities.

He is working with other immigration professionals to help with the cases. Watch below.