大象传媒

It is being described as the deadliest human smuggling incident in US history after more than 50 men, women and children were found dead in an abandoned truck in San Antonio, Texas, in the United States. The temperature inside was close to 40 degrees Celsius - more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. One police chief called it a 鈥渃rime against humanity鈥�.

The incident has once again provoked discussion about those who risk their lives to fulfil their dream of getting into America. Host James Reynolds hears conversations with Latinos in Texas, talking about their experiences of growing up within two cultures.

Julietta from Mexico was just 12 when she overstayed her visa with family members. She lived in Texas for more than 20 years before gaining her American citizenship and describes the fear and constant uncertainty of growing up undocumented. We also hear from Hispanic people in Texas about the desire for a better life and the personal and professional consequences of not learning your family鈥檚 mother tongue.

A truck driver from San Antonio shares the reasons why some drivers are tempted to smuggle people across the US/Mexico border. He says the lure of easy money from human traffickers is sometimes impossible to resist.

(Photo: People gather for a special mass for the migrants who were found dead inside a trailer truck at the San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio, Texas, U.S. June 30, 2022. Credit: Reuters/Kaylee Greenlee Beal)