American Dirt

There are three black trucks tailing the train. In addition to the men inside them, each has at least four heavily armed agentes (“agents”) in the back. Their faces are concealed, and they are so disguised by gear that Luca realizes it is impossible to distinguish a federal immigration agent from a narcotraficante (“drug trafficker”). He is so scared that he pees himself. All around him, migrants are frantically disembarking as the train jerkily comes to a stop. Even though the situation is futile, everybody runs. Even in the best-case scenario, when la migra function as a bureaucratic entity and not the arm of a cartel or other nefarious force, being caught by them will undoubtedly mark the end of the migrants’ journey.

While running, Lydia sprains her ankle and falls hard; Luca is relieved when he realizes she has not been shot. The agents round up all the migrants and lead them to the end of the road. Then, most leave, and only one truck and four or five agents stay behind. This is worrying—it means there will be fewer witnesses, should things go awry. The agents pat down the migrants one by one, confiscate their belongings, and attach their wrists together with zip ties. Soledad and Rebeca are groped and then asked to sit in the truck, away from the others. Two unmarked, windowless vans soon arrive, taking all the migrants except the sisters with them. Lydia begs the officer to stay with “[her] daughters.” He tells her not to worry, promising that they will “give the girls a ride.”