When politicians on tv talk about the immigration crisis, what is largely missing is the humanitarian aspect of the human smuggling. Through the eyes of author Jason De León, we learn about the real - and horrifying - conditions that lead these people to such desperate measures as to travel hundreds of miles of unsafe conditions. 

Many of these people seeking a new opportunity in America are from poverty-stricken countries. Gangs are prevalent and demand allegiance from the young kids in the neighborhoods. They never know safety or security, and many times, traversing towards America is worth the risks because they’re more than likely dead anyway if they stay. 

I don’t know what the answer is to the border crisis - heck, even our politicians don’t. But something is very wrong about smuggling humans, risking their safety in search of a better life. I appreciate De León offering readers an in-depth look the people behind the scenes, what the journey looks like, and how grave the situation is.