

#15917
Mentioned in 2 episodes
The snakehead
An Epic Tale of the Chinatown Underworld and the American Dream
Book • 2009
The Snakehead is a detailed account of the human smuggling operations run by Cheng Chui Ping, a charismatic middle-aged grandmother known as Sister Ping.
The book delves into the inner workings of her complex empire, the decade-long FBI investigation that eventually led to her capture, and the intricate underground economy that sustained and exploited illegal immigrants.
It also explores the broader context of immigration policy in America, highlighting the struggles and risks faced by those seeking to realize the American dream.
Keefe's narrative is based on hundreds of interviews with law enforcement officials, immigrants, and other key figures, providing a vivid and suspenseful portrayal of this true crime story.
The book delves into the inner workings of her complex empire, the decade-long FBI investigation that eventually led to her capture, and the intricate underground economy that sustained and exploited illegal immigrants.
It also explores the broader context of immigration policy in America, highlighting the struggles and risks faced by those seeking to realize the American dream.
Keefe's narrative is based on hundreds of interviews with law enforcement officials, immigrants, and other key figures, providing a vivid and suspenseful portrayal of this true crime story.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 2 episodes
Mentioned by 

as a gift from his father, highlighting his interest in the author's work.


Sean Fennessey

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Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as one of the greatest New Yorker articles of all time, later turned into a book.

John Podhoretz

Hunter Pardon, Day 2
Mentioned by 

as the author of The Snakehead, a story about a smuggling empire in New York's Chinatown.


Poppy Damon

American Nightmare: Chinatown's People Smuggling Empire
Recommended by 

, who received it from his dad; it's about a crime syndicate related to illegal immigration and human trafficking.


Sean Fennessey

An Everything-but-Movies Mailbag