Defectors

The Rise of the Latino Far Right and What It Means for America

By: Paola Ramos

Narrated by: Victoria Villarreal

An award-winning journalist's exploration of how race, identity and political trauma have influenced the rise in far-right sentiment among Latinos, and how this group can shape American politics

“A deeply reported, surprisingly personal exploration of a phenomenon that is little understood in our politics: the affiliation of Latino voters with causes and candidates that would seem, at first glance, unwelcoming to them."—Rachel Maddow

Democrats have historically assumed they can rely on the Latino vote, but recent elections have called that loyalty into question. In fact, despite his vociferous anti-immigrant rhetoric and disastrous border policies, Trump won a higher percentage of the Latino vote in 2020 than he did in 2016. Now, journalist Paola Ramos pulls back the curtain on these voters, traveling around the country to uncover what motivates them to vote for and support issues that seem so at odds with their self-interest.

From coast to coast, cities to rural towns, Defectors introduces listeners to underdog GOP candidates, January 6th insurrectionists, Evangelical pastors and culture war crusaders, aiming to identify the influences at the heart of this rightward shift. Through their stories, Ramos shows how tribalism, traditionalism, and political trauma within the Latino community has been weaponized to radicalize and convert voters who, like many of their white counterparts, are fearful of losing their place in American society.

We meet Monica de la Cruz, a Republican congresswoman from the Rio Grande Valley who won on a platform centered on finishing “what Donald Trump started” and pushing the Great Replacement Theory; David Ortiz, a Mexican man who refers to himself as a Spaniard and opposed the removal of a statue of a Spanish conquistador in New Mexico; Luis Cabrera, an evangelical pastor pushing to “Make America Godly Again;” Anthony Aguero, an independent journalist turned border vigilante; and countless other individuals and communities that make up the rising conservative Latino population. Cross-cultural and assiduously reported, Defectors highlights how one of America's most powerful and misunderstood electorates may come to define the future of American politics.

©2024 Paola Ramos (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Defectors is a deeply reported, surprisingly personal exploration of a phenomenon that is little understood in our politics: The affiliation of Latino voters with causes and candidates that would seem, at first glance, unwelcoming to them. Paola takes us into the lives of Latinos who support presidential candidates with plans for mass deportations or lead efforts to ban books and stop diversity initiatives. She introduces us to Latinos who patrol the border as vigilantes and Latinos who marched on the Capitol on January 6th. From Miami and the Bronx to Arizona, New Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley, Paola shows us why the Latino vote is not just increasingly powerful, but increasingly in flux. It turns out the answers are there if you ask the right questions, and that is exactly what Paola does in this terrific book."—Rachel Maddow, Emmy award-winning host of The Rachel Maddow Show and New York Times bestselling author of Prequel

"It's hard to fathom how any vulnerable group, be they Latinos, Black, or even white women, can consistently vote for conservative candidates who are hostile to their interests, and their humanity. In Defectors, Paola Ramos seeks to understand ultra conservative Latinos, and instead of lecturing them, explains how they've come to support violent authoritarianism.”—Elie Mystal, New York Times bestselling author of Allow Me to Retort

"With both humanizing compassion and sharp urgency, Defectors highlights the voices and ideologies behind our current political moment. Paola deftly shows how historical trauma and cultural values have caused a rightward shift among an increasingly politically active population and reveals why America's Latino voices will matter in this election more than ever, and in every election to come."—Ana Navarro, Emmy award-winning cohost of "The View"

Hearing

When we listen to those around us, we can hear the stories from long ago our ancestors want us to hear.

The best book I have listened to this year 2024

Does a great job going over history and present and how everything has shaped the Latino community.

Understating Latinos.

Eye opening. Different points of view. It’s a must read. Understand the big minority in the USA

Relatable

This is a MUST read! I enjoyed it from beginning to end! Paola’s writing was perfect. She shares interviews, history, statistics and personal experiences 🙌🏽

Worth a listen

Writing this on Nov 22, 2024…after the election results we confirmed I, to no surprise, was disappointed with the elected candidate. I have been listening to many podcasts & videos within this year that helped me immensely with understanding the political atmosphere we are in. While doomscrolling I happen to see Paola in an interview & found her take very insightful. Which then sparked my curiosity into my first ever political adjacent book. As a Latino, I felt like I already knew the depths of why my community decided to go in leaning red more this election…but Paola actually showed me more than of what I didn’t know. Between the interviews she conducted, and extensive research into foreign affairs, I have gained more wisdom on how the Hispanic Latino voter could play an important role towards the future of this country.

The resemblance of how my life was.

I really enjoyed reading Miss Ramos story. It was eye opening in facts that some of us Latino Americans believe or are unaware that we have and don't have. I am an older American Mexican man 3rd generation U. S. Born but have traveled parts of our country and Mexico and find , how I'm not fully excepted on either side. Sad fact, we need more empathy in our lives. Thank I will continue to read your Latin X book.

I’m happy we are talking about this

As a Cuba born American citizen, I am dismayed at so many of my people who embrace the same type of corruption, nepotism, autocracy, gaslighting and repression that we escaped. This book was a great start to begin to understand this.

Informative and Educational

Excellent! Helped me better understand why others vote against their best interests. Sharing it with all those around me.

Latinos in Current American Right Wing Politics

An interesting, well-written and well-researched story of events, histories, and self-perceptions that drive many Latinos in the USA to the far right, and sometimes, to white supremacist and anti-LGBTQ views and political action. There are many compelling individual stories of Latinos with diverse backgrounds and histories. American Latinos in politics have often been painted with a monochromatic brush. This book presents a wider spectrum perspective.

Deeply Researched and Nuanced

One of the most revelatory and insightful books about Latinidad in the US. I think Paola Ramos has given us a valuable text which should required reading for Latines in this country.