Forum From the Archives: ‘Soldiers and Kings’ Investigates the World of Human Smuggling
Dec 26, 2024
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Jason De León, an anthropologist and author of "Soldiers And Kings," shares insights from his extensive research on human smuggling. He discusses the dangerous journeys faced by migrants as well as the complex roles of smugglers like Kingston and Roberto. De León reveals the shift from individual operators to organized crime, financial intricacies, and the ethical dilemmas within the smuggling industry. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding the systemic issues driving migration, urging for comprehensive reform in U.S. immigration policies.
Anthropologist Jason De León's research reveals that smugglers operate within a nuanced moral framework influenced by poverty and violence.
Migrants often resort to hiring smugglers out of desperation, entrusting them with their safety amid dangerous and uncertain journeys.
De León emphasizes the critical distinction between smugglers and traffickers, highlighting the ethical implications and stereotypes surrounding human smuggling.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Human Smuggling
The narrative surrounding human smugglers is often oversimplified, viewing them purely as villains. However, anthropologist Jason DeLeon argues that many smugglers, like Roberto, exist within a nuanced moral landscape shaped by poverty and violence. These individuals often transition into smuggling after experiencing their own failed migration attempts, yet their actions can sometimes provide vital services to desperate migrants seeking safety. By highlighting the complexities in the motivations and backgrounds of smugglers, DeLeon challenges prevalent stereotypes that paint all smugglers as solely greedy and malevolent.
Understanding the Smuggler's Role
Migrants often find themselves in precarious situations where the decision to hire a smuggler is driven by desperation. Many migrants face dangers such as gang violence and extreme poverty in their homeland, leading them to seek out guidance for their journey. Smugglers, or 'guías' as they prefer to be called, can offer crucial assistance, navigating the dangerous terrain and helping individuals avoid law enforcement. This relationship highlights the vulnerability of migrants, as they must place their trust in someone they often know very little about, aware that the consequences of misjudgment can be severe.
Distinction Between Traffickers and Migrant Smugglers
DeLeon emphasizes the significant distinction between smugglers and traffickers, a differentiation often blurred in public perception. Traffickers exploit their victims, often forcing them into servitude against their will, while smugglers usually engage in transactions where the migrant pays for passage to a desired destination. This distinction is critical in understanding the ethical implications of smuggling and the varying degrees of culpability involved in the migration process. By making this clear, DeLeon invites readers to reconsider their views on smugglers and the broader context of migration policies.
The Impact of Gangs on Smuggling Dynamics
DeLeon notes how the landscape of human smuggling has shifted dramatically, with gangs increasingly controlling the operations. This change has led to the emergence of violent dynamics, as many former independent smugglers now operate under the influence of gangs such as MS-13. These gangs often exploit the weaknesses within the smuggling industry, making it difficult for individuals like Roberto to operate without facing threats. The involvement of gangs not only complicates relationships between smugglers and migrants but also escalates the risks for both parties, emphasizing the interconnectedness of crime and desperation.
Empathy Through Anthropological Research
Throughout his research, DeLeon has sought to find a balance between documenting the harsh realities of smuggling and fostering empathy for those involved. He argues that understanding the human side of smugglers opens pathways for more compassionate discussions around migration. By immersing himself in the lives of smugglers, he faced challenging moral dilemmas, yet he believes that his experiences have enriched his understanding of human resilience. Ultimately, DeLeon's work aims to shift perceptions, encouraging a more empathetic approach to the complex tapestry of migration and smuggling.
Anthropologist Jason De León has spent a career documenting the stories of migrants making their way across the Sonoran Desert at the Southern US border. But in his new book, “Soldiers And Kings: Survival and Hope in the World of Human Smuggling,” De León turns his gaze towards the smugglers. For nearly seven years, he embedded with a group of smugglers moving migrants across Central America and Mexico, following them as they led people north. We’ll talk to him about his book, what he learned from this rare look into this side of the billion-dollar industry and what can be done to address the global migration crisis.
Guest:
Jason De León, author, “Soldiers And Kings: Survival and Hope in the World of Human Smuggling"; director, Cotsen Institute of Archaeology; professor of anthropology and Chicana, Chicano, and Central American Studies, UCLA
