Anthropologist Jason De Leon explores migrant smuggling in new award-winning book

Anthropologist Jason De Leon's new book, "Soldiers and Kings," explores his seven years spent with migrant smugglers in Mexico. The book recently won the National Book Award for nonfiction, highlighting real stories amid ongoing immigration debates. De Leon emphasizes the difference between smuggling and trafficking, clarifying that smuggling involves individuals paying for passage, while trafficking occurs against a person's will. His work aims to provide a deeper understanding of these complex issues. Los Angeles features prominently in the book, with stories of migrants and smugglers connected to the city. De Leon's research reflects his commitment to anthropology, seeking to understand the human condition through diverse perspectives.