Ep 6. No One is Illegal: The Migrant Crisis

Pan y Circo is a Mexican television show hosted by Diego Luna. In this series, Luna invites a diverse group of guests to sit down and discuss issues that are affecting Mexican society. Topics covered range from politics and social issues to food and culture.

In season 1 episode 6, titled "No One is Illegal: The Migrant Crisis," Luna and his guests focus on the topic of immigration, particularly the challenges faced by those attempting to migrate from Central America to Mexico and the United States. The episode begins with Luna introducing his guests for the evening, which include Jorge Castañeda, a former Mexican foreign affairs minister; Esther Sánchez, a human rights activist; Rubén Figueroa, a lawyer who works with migrants; and Oscar Chacón, the executive director of Alianza Americas, an organization that advocates for Latino communities in the United States.

The conversation begins with an exploration of the root causes of migration from Central America, including poverty, violence, and political instability. The guests discuss the role of the United States in exacerbating these issues, and they also touch on Mexico's own complicity in the migrant crisis. Luna prompts the guests to share personal stories and experiences that illustrate the challenges faced by migrants, and the guests do not hold back. There are stories of families separated at the border, of children who have died while in United States custody, and of the exploitation and abuse suffered by migrants as they travel towards their destination.

Throughout the episode, Luna and his guests attempt to break down some of the narratives that surround immigration. They discuss the ways in which terms like "illegal" and "undocumented" dehumanize migrants and obscure the realities of their experiences. They also reflect on the ways in which migrants have historically been exploited by corporations and governments, and they share stories of successful migrant-led movements for justice.

Food also plays a role in this episode, as it does in every episode of Pan y Circo. As the guests discuss the migrant crisis, they share a meal of chicken mole, charred eggplant, and mezcal. The food and drink serve as a way to break down barriers and build community, even as the guests grapple with difficult topics.

The episode concludes with Luna asking each of the guests for their thoughts on how to move forward. Their answers range from concrete policy proposals to more abstract reflections on empathy and human connection. Overall, "No One is Illegal: The Migrant Crisis" is a thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion about one of the most pressing issues of our time. Luna and his guests do not shy away from the difficult and uncomfortable aspects of the topic, but they also make space for hope and action.