: While some data suggests smuggling and drug trafficking are separate businesses, a significant percentage of smugglers are either forced into or voluntarily work for organized crime , which can lead to the kidnapping and exploitation of migrants.
: Researchers describe coyotaje as taking place in "liminal spaces"—geographical and legal gray areas where traditional documentation is difficult and the outcome of a journey can swing between success and tragedy. Risks and Safety Coyotaje
: Migrants often pay significant fees for these services, with transactions frequently finalized through encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp. : While some data suggests smuggling and drug
The practice is deeply embedded in the borderlands, carrying significant cultural and literary weight. The practice is deeply embedded in the borderlands,
While some "coyotes" may be viewed as helpers within their communities, the industry is frequently linked to organized crime and severe risks.
: Authors like Javier Zamora use the motif of "Looking at a Coyote" to explore the harsh realities and emotional toll of the migration journey, often mimicking the rhythm of footsteps in their writing to evoke the physical act of crossing.
