Anthropologist Jason De León Discusses Human Smuggling

Lexington, KY – On March 6, 2024, anthropologist and author Jason De León delivered a compelling presentation at the Lewis Honors College, focusing on the critical issues surrounding human smuggling and its impact on Latino immigrants. His talk, titled “Soldiers and Kings: Survival and Hope in the World of Human Smuggling,” aligned with his recognition from the National Book Award for his nonfiction work. The event aimed to foster an understanding of the profound human stories intertwined with migration and smuggling.

De León, who has extensively researched the subject, highlighted the complex narratives of smugglers and migrants, challenging the dehumanization often found within political discussions regarding immigration. He collaborated with Zada Komara, a professor and organizer of the event, who emphasized the importance of portraying smugglers not just as criminals but as individuals with their own stories and humanity. Together, they have been involved in the Undocumented Migration Project’s Hostile Terrain 94 exhibit, which pays tribute to the 3,992 migrants who have perished while attempting to cross the U.S. border through the Sonoran Desert since 1994.

Attendees like Ander Rosenthal, a Lewis Honors College student, reinforced the need for awareness surrounding the struggles that Latino immigrants face, focusing on the human aspect of migration. De León shared poignant accounts of two individuals he characterized as smugglers, who prefer to be referred to as “guías,” or “guides,” in English. He clarified that the distinction between smugglers and human traffickers should not be overlooked, explaining that those who are smuggled are typically voluntary participants seeking better lives.

During his talk, De León reiterated that many migrants are compelled to leave their home countries due to dire circumstances, such as poverty, violence, political instability, and climate change. He advocates for human mobility as a fundamental right and strongly believes it should not be impeded. De León illustrated the resilience of the human spirit through the narratives of smugglers, who often find themselves ensnared in cycles of violence while pursuing hope for themselves and their clients.

In analyzing the terminology used within popular media, De León critiqued the failure to adequately differentiate between human smuggling and trafficking, underlining the importance of nuance in understanding these issues. He expressed that college students should be educated on undocumented immigration, emphasizing the need to humanize the overlooked narratives surrounding smugglers and migrants.

Moreover, De León urged the audience to reconsider the stereotypes associated with smugglers, advocating for a perspective that recognizes them as individuals with rich personal histories. He highlighted that many smugglers view themselves as “soldiers” engaged in essential, albeit dangerous, work and refer to each other as “kings” to foster camaraderie and solidarity among themselves. This sense of community is an important aspect of their experiences, providing them with hope amidst their struggles.

De León maintains ongoing contact with many of his subjects and the individuals whose stories he narrates, illustrating a commitment to understanding their experiences beyond academic research. This continuous relationship highlights the importance of empathy and connection in addressing the broader issues related to migration and human smuggling.

The event captured not only the personal experiences of those involved in human smuggling but also underscored the broader implications of migration policies and societal attitudes toward Latino immigrants. By presenting these narratives, De León aims to stimulate thoughtful discussion and promote a greater understanding of the complexities surrounding human migration.