Client: High Country News

AD: Roberto Guerra

Brief: Chinese migrant workers were trapped in the Southwest’s illicit cannabis boom and treated as criminals — until investigators began chasing their bosses. A story by Wufei Yu.

A female worker cutting weeds in anxiety.

A male worker being picked up to work.

A truck full of weeds.

A group of workers cutting weeds in the motel.

The ambush at the green houses.

Presentation to the potential investors.

A couple of workers finally live a quiet, lush life.