Benjamin Smith

In his decade in the drug business, Cruz demonstrated a singular lack of ambition. As his brothers moved up the hierarchy from transporters to gunmen to local chiefs, they often mocked their shy, diminutive sibling. But Cruz didn’t mind. He liked being a lookout. The job allowed him to wander the stunning, rolling landscape above his ranch. It allowed him to look after his ageing mother.

In his decade in the drug business, Cruz demonstrated a singular lack of ambition. As his brothers moved up the hierarchy from transporters to gunmen to local chiefs, they often mocked their shy, diminutive sibling. But Cruz didn’t mind. He liked being a lookout. The job allowed him to wander the stunning, rolling landscape above his ranch. It allowed him to look after his ageing mother.

It was here, as he awaited deportation, that I first spoke to him. His lawyer had asked me to work pro bono as an expert witness in his case.