The story follows several characters who become embroiled in the world of human smuggling along the migrant trail through Mexico.

Chino is a young man from Honduras who turns to smuggling as a way to earn money and support himself. He develops feelings for Jesmyn, a fellow migrant, and the two struggle with the dangers presented by more violent smugglers like Bin Laden and the Breadman.

Kingston is a former gang member from New York who has been living in Mexico and working as a smuggler. He wants to get out of the business but faces threats from his past.

Santos is a migrant from Honduras who is guided through Mexico by Chino. However, they become separated and Santos finds himself imprisoned in Mexico. After his release he continues his journey north.

The anthropologist studies the world of smuggling, developing relationships with people like Kingston, Chino, and Flaco. However, she struggles with the ethical issues of her work and how to avoid exploiting her subjects.

Woven throughout are themes of poverty, violence, faith, and the harsh realities migrants face attempting to cross Mexico. Characters cling to hope for better lives, but often find their dreams and lives cut short. It provides insights into the complex and dangerous industry of human smuggling along the migrant trail.