First, the guides are recruited in the same way that gangs recruit their members. The first element involved is family name, in this case “the Cercas.” They are just one of the “gang families” that have created what can be deemed (almost) a business. It is truly a sophisticated operation moving illegal immigrants across the border for money. As a result of their greed, these gang families have become separated from their fellow citizens and their plights. Yes, they are “guides,” but they betray those who they are guiding. Why? Even more than family name, the main recruitment quality is the ability of the guides to be shrewd in making money for the organization. A second “group” we can speak about is the group of Mexican citizens who attempt
