Episode description

Human smugglers are oftentimes hired by migrants to help them through inhospitable and dangerous routes on their way to the United States. But how do human smugglers, also known as coyotes or polleros, get into the business in the first place? Are they more hurtful than helpful? What is fueling their industry?

Renowned anthropologist and author Jason De León tries to answer these questions in his latest book “Soldiers and Kings: Survival and Hope on the World of Human Smuggling.”

Jason sits down with Maria Hinojosa on this episode of Latino USA to discuss the links between the booming business of human smuggling and U.S. immigration policies and much more.

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