A transnational gang involved in the drug trade and one cause of much of the violence driving the child migrant crisis. Barrio 18 was begun by second-generation Hispanics who grew up among Los Angeles’ prominent gang culture in the 1970s-1990s. Manu and other children that Luiselli interviews are victims of this gang and of MS-13.

The slang term for a common method of travel for child migrants fleeing their home countries: the tops of train cars. It is a highly dangerous and sometimes fatal method of travel that demonstrates the desperation the children face.

The slang term for a person who is paid to smuggle people across the border into the United States. Since their business is inherently dangerous and illegal, there is little recourse or responsibility for them to take good care of their charges.