Original subtitles

Did they suspect Bernal had something to do with the murder?

Nico stepped out of line. He went outside his jurisdiction

and started a parallel investigation without authorization.

They'll take his phone, track it,

and you'll become a suspect, man.

As the new head of the State Police,

you must follow the corresponding protocol.

Let's go then.

We caught Chapman.

Chapman's dead.

For some of us, it took us years to realize that we were abused.

All this effort has to eventually start paying off.

Nico, someone broke into the house.

These are things that bad people do.

Good morning.

-It took you so long. -How are you?

-How are you feeling, Archi? -Better every day.

-You should take it easy. -You really should.

Okay, then. We got two new cases this morning.

The first one is John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

Damn. That guy was killed a long time ago.

Oswald, huh?

The fugitive calls himself that,

but he has nothing to do with the former gringo president.

It was a joke, commander.

This JFK thinks he's a gangster rapper.

He even performs from time to time.

He's wanted for first degree murder in the U.S.

He killed a rival gang member.

He's armed and dangerous.

He's been posting bullshit on a fake account on social media.

So keep an eye out for any information on his whereabouts.

-Will do. -Yes, boss.

On to our second case.

Tay and Tony Walton. Junkies.

They're known users of heroin, meth, and fentanyl.

Tay and Tony are guilty of a several misdemeanors,

all in pursuit of cash to fuel for their addiction.

They've kidnapped their two children and made their way down south.

The kids are eight and five.

Is it kidnapping if it's your own kids?

They were in a foster home.

This case is obviously our priority because there are two kids in danger.

So, Camila and Archi, start investigating and move quickly.

-You got it. -Look.

-Morning, everyone. -Morning.

Stop everything you're doing. We have another priority.

You will all undergo a series of evaluations

to ascertain your value to us.

It is my mission as the new police chief to discover who among you I can trust.

That's why today you will take a series of tests

to determine which of you are physically,

psychologically,

and morally fit to be part of this unit.

What's more, you will be investigated in depth

for any ties to the cartels or to other local criminal organizations.

What?

Come on, do you really think we're tied to criminal organizations, chief?

Look, my duty is to inform you

that the results of these evaluations

may in fact result in administrative action,

such as suspension

or immediate dismissal from your positions.

And depending on the case at hand, indictments.

Look, I don't know if you know but we took those evaluations not long ago

and we're all capable of doing this work.

I mean, that's why we're here.

Hm.

I guess I haven't been clear.

I am telling you.

I am not asking you.

Though you won't need to take part.

Liam, help her with the investigation after you've completed your evaluations.

Let's go.

All right.

Now, gentlemen, hold still while I do some cursory examinations.

Open.

I'm your mama, I'm your daddy I'm that nigga in the alley

I'm your doctor when in need Want some coke? Have some weed

You know me, I'm your friend Your main boy…

Urinate into this. It's for the drug tests.

I'm your pusherman

TOXICOLOGY SAMPLE

I'm your pusherman

You have to do it in front of me.

Pusherman

Lord, Lord

You guys need to know this.

They killed María and Silvia's dogs on set them on fire.

What? No way.

How are they feeling?

Terrified, of course.

We'll watch over them, Nico.

It's okay, they're staying somewhere safe.

They'll be living in Temo's parents' old house.

But… for the time being we have to stop investigating.

-No. -We just can't put them at risk.

But despite everything, we need to continue.

We know that Murphy is lying.

We have to find out if the abuses are still going on.

We still have no fucking idea what we'll find out.

Yeah, we do.

We're gonna find the guy who murdered Temo.

Why do you think they're making us do the evaluations?

Ortega wants to take us out.

I think we may be in over our heads.

We have to stop.

It's not every day you see a scar like that.

How'd you get it? Were you on duty?

If I may?

It's my C-section. That's all.

You thought a gang member slashed me, huh?

It was a gift from the hospital.

It seems like there are more fucking butchers than doctors there, right?

What does that tattoo mean?

Nothing. Dumb kid stuff, that's all.

Let the interrogation begin.

It's not an interrogation.

It's not?

We're here to examine your mental fitness.

Mm.

Tell me about your childhood, okay?

My childhood…

I was there when they killed my father.

So I don't know that anybody can still have childhood after that.

My mom had me when she was really young.

She was only 15.

She raised me on her own.

In a part of Mexicali near Puebla.

Valle del Pedregal.

I don't know if you know it.

Local kids still play tag there, but they play with knives.

Hm. And your brother?

What?

He did what he had to do to support you, right?

Even though it was illegal.

I don't know, doctor.

But they say he hasn't done that in a long time.

Hm. And your father? Was he in your life?

No.

Is that why you joined the force? To find a father?

I mean, I suppose I did.

Who was it?

Well…

Temo.

You found him, and then you lost him.

How does that make you feel?

You had an outstanding Air Force record.

Why leave it?

Because I realized it wasn't for me.

Why did you join the police?

Because of Temo Lozano.

You're in American right-wing social media groups, correct?

Mm-hm.

It's great country, I believe.

Are you against the government?

No.

In a recent case,

one of the fugitives died after he was shot by you.

Yes, I killed a man.

Okay? I know what I did.

It was the only incident of its kind that was reported during your service.

How did you deal with it?

And your personal life? How are you and your husband doing?

Ex-husband. That's in the file, right?

We went our separate ways, as you can see.

He went his way, he made some bad choices, and I'm here.

What did you do when you discovered he was involved in illegal activities

and going to prison?

I was 16 years old, so…

I didn't do anything.

I learned about it when they arrested him.

You and your wife have a huge place in Playas.

It cost a lot.

Are you living above your means?

I live the way I like to live.

Do you think that it was unjustified?

No.

He was a fugitive on the run.

He was trained and heavily armed. But it wasn't easy.

You act like you have a lot of wealth.

Could it be that you're actually insecure?

I don't know.

What do you think? You're the expert, doc.

With the way you live your life,

one might assume you're dealing illegal drugs

or involved in corruption.

Are you making an accusation?

Have you had any anxiety, recurring dreams or nightmares,

or obsessions?

Maybe.

That tattoo looks like an N and an M intertwined.

N for "Nicolás" and the M?

Mara Salvatrucha.

How seriously do you take your job?

Very seriously.

It doesn't seem like it.

Who is M?

María.

The daughter of the late Commander Temo Lozano.

Why would you ask if you already know the answer?

So Temo was a father figure.

Why wasn't María like a sister?

-Shh. -We'll wake him up, we can't.

It's fine.

What do you want to know?

Did Temo give you his blessing?

No, not at first.

And after?

He was never onboard.

So María and I broke up.

Now what, María?

Look, I really care about you, Nico.

But you're too much like my father.

We talked it all through, and now we're good friends.

Are you worried that you'll need to kill again

because of your work?

I am.

I will need to tell your superior officers.

You grew up without a father.

And now your son is growing up without one too.

Do you feel like you are to blame?

Yeah, right. I'm the one who's to blame for what he did?

-You chose Chendo. -Like I said, I was 16 years old.

And now that you're no longer 16 years old,

are you concerned that your son

will fall into the same pattern of criminal behavior

as all of the men in your life did?

Doctor, look.

I'm good police officer,

and even a better mother.

You can read my file.

Collado is leaving me last for the interviews.

All right, let's go.

This says they're probably traveling together in an old van.

And the last three times they were seen was in Playas.

Ah, I know Cuija.

He's a dealer in the area.

If they're bumming around over there, Cuija will know where to find them.

Bernal.

We'll need you at the office all day, sounds good?

Oh, really? Why is that?

We need you to have a thorough evaluation.

Is that a problem?

Off you go.

Wait in room number two.

I already gave your cases to the rest of the unit,

and they're working on them.

What's up, María?

Nico, someone broke into my grandparents' house.

-What? -Someone was living here. I don't know.

The neighbors say that about a month ago these men wearing ski masks broke in.

There was broken glass, the doors were forced,

and some weird drawings.

Where are you now?

We're at Swap Meet Siglo Venti-Uno.

Motherfucker. I can't get out of here now.

Let me see if I can send someone.

Okay. I'm sending Cri now.

You two stay calm.

Hey, Cri.

Listen, I need you to go and pick up María and Silvia.

At the Swap Meet.

-The one on Díaz Ordaz. You know it? -Yes. Of course.

You've just gotta make sure they're safe for me.

Can you do that?

Okay.

I know a good place.

-I'll call you. -Thanks.

And then after that, I'll start looking into JFK.

Great, go now.

All right. Uh, you'll be safe here.

This, uh, hotel is owned by relatives of mine.

So if there's anything you need just let me know.

They know.

Anything. Anything at all, okay?

-Thanks, Cri. -And Nico and I will be in touch too.

-Go on, I'll get your bags. Head on in. -Thank you.

-They'll give you your keys. -How's it going, Alonso?

Do you know of anyone who's had a problem or a bad experience or…

Or is there a pattern of abuse in Sueños sin Fronteras?

Do you know anyone who would want to talk about it?

Yes, of course.

Off the record.

Mm-hm.

No, no, no. All you have to do is give me a name, that's all.

No. You wouldn't have to be involved in anything, I swear.

No, no, no. This is just something I'm investigating on my own.

Okay. Well, I'll do that for you, Abril. We can do that.

And if anyone comes to mind, same goes for them, okay?

No, no. No, thank you. Thanks. All right.

Now everything is going to be better.

You’ve seen how cool the new place is going to be.

Hey, Cri.

How's María?

Man, thank you, Cri.

Yes. I'm still waiting.

Keep going through JFK's social media.

Beto can help you.

Camila?

Hey, how's it going?

Okay.

Be very careful.

We need to find those junkies and get their kids out of danger.

Uh-huh.

All right.

Well, keep me posted, okay?

Hey, Gloria, it's me.

Cri got María and Silvia and took them to a safe place.

So, hey…

Call me, okay?

Please be careful, Gloria.

-How are you, Bernal? -So can I get out of here or what?

Believe me, that's what I want too.

But guess what?

It's not possible.

You see, we found some inconsistencies during your evaluations.

Oh, yeah?

According to protocol, you're now required to undergo to a polygraph test.

We'll come get you when we're ready for you.

Just stay right there.

-Archi. -Huh?

About the tests…

I want you to know that I thought about asking if I could take them too,

but I was afraid.

Why?

Because when I joined the Intelligence Division I took one,

and I tried to hide my autism and…

And it went very badly.

Why did you try to hide it?

Because everyone who knows treats me differently,

and I don't want that.

Hey, Cami.

This isn't the same thing by any means…

…but I know what it's like to be treated differently.

When I was a kid I got into trouble all the time.

The truth is people also treat you differently

when they know you're an addict.

I'm really nervous about the drug test because…

I went out with Ema a few weeks ago and…

She offered me MDMA and I took it.

Plus, I had been clean for many years.

A little bit a few weeks ago might not show up.

Your test could actually be clear.

Sure, but if it's not they'll suspend me or kick me out of the unit.

They don't give a fuck.

Well, but you don't know for sure yet.

It's here.

-Chano, what do you have for me? -Okay.

I found someone who might be able to speak to you about the abuse.

I talked to a friend of mine, he's with the Spiritual Patrol.

You mean the guys who go around abducting junkies and beating people up?

Yeah.

The guy I'm thinking about has been caught by them several times.

His name is Yahir. He's an orphan.

The guy says that people from Sueños sin Fronteras

took him to the U. S. when he was 13 and put him up for adoption.

But he escaped and came back.

He was traumatized and became a hardcore junkie.

Yahir.

And… and can you tell me where to find this guy?

Nah, I think he's homeless.

Apparently, he just roams around Sánchez Taboada.

Sánchez Taboada.

Careful if you go there. It's a dangerous place.

What the fuck's happening, Cuija?

Fucking Archi.

How's it going, dude?

Hey! Listen!

This guy was like a son to me.

I've known him since he was a boy.

He ran to me whenever he was in trouble.

Hey.

You disappeared.

What brings you back, huh?

We're trying to find some gringos.

Here.

You seen them?

You come back here after all these years

and ask me to snitch?

I joined the force, Cuija.

This is my partner.

-Hey! Careful. -Hey, mister.

Hey! Hey!

Check this out, fuckers.

Give it back, Cuija. Stop.

-What are you doing, dude? -Glock. Nine millimeters.

-And back up, assholes. -Cuija!

-It's gonna get real. -Stop it! Hey! Hey.

It's loaded. Hand it back to me.

-Oh! -Hey, give the gun back!

Cuija. Cuija, please. Hey!

Guns down. Both of you.

It's a police gun. Give it back.

Camila, take it easy. Calm down. Camila.

Yeah, Camila.

Don't do anything stupid.

I'm just joking around.

Give it back now!

Guys, stop it. Stop. Camila, it's okay.

Put the gun down, please. Put it down.

Hey. Calm down, okay?

Hey. Easy. Hey, Cami. Cami, it's okay. It's fine.

It's just how he is. Put your gun down.

Okay?

Please, put it down.

Thank you.

Fuck you, man.

It was just a little joke.

Have you seen them or not?

The gringos are staying in an old van.

They always park it in the abandoned square.

That's all I know.

Thank you. I owe you one.

You owe me a lot.

-Bye, Cami. -Let's go.

-Thank you. -You okay?

Yeah?

-Hey, Glo! -Hey! What's up, handsome?

So I called you because, well, I thought you might-- Might…

Nothing. I wanted--

I wanted to hear your voice.

And… I wanted to apologize for ghosting you like I did.

Hm. Man, must have been a really difficult case, huh?

To be honest, yeah.

I have to drive a while, so I hoped you'd give me a little company.

Thank you for picking up. I know you're working right now.

I'm looking forward to seeing you.

I've been thinking of something that I can cook for you.

I'm looking forward to seeing you again too.

It's great to hear your voice. I guess I'll see you really soon.

Sounds like a plan to me.

Talk soon.

Have a good day.

Goddamn it. They better let Nico out soon.

Tijuana, what the fuck is up?

Yeah, put your fucking hands up, Tijuana!

-Look. -We bought drinks for the table.

That's JFK, right?

JFK!

Oh, come on.

They can't make kids live like this.

They can't be far.

I am Officer Cabello.

I will be administering your polygraph today.

I'll ask you some questions and you will only answer "yes" or "no."

Let's begin.

Is your name Nicolás Bernal?

Yes.

Are you now 37 years old?

Yes.

Hey, baby!

Where you going?

Blondie. Hey!

Blondie!

Blondie!

Where you going, Blondie!

Yeah

Shake it, shake it, shake it out, unh!

Shake it, shake it, shake it out

Yo…

Hey.

Bring some fucking drinks to the table.

Yeah, over here.

Confirmed.

JFK is in the building.

-Fuck me, it's a huge crowd. -It is.

But don't worry about it, man, because this guy's gonna go all in.

Let's let him get completely wasted, then we'll arrest him.

Beto.

This job really sucks sometimes, you know?

Being here and having to drink non-alcoholic beer.

-Yeah. -Beer.

But we have to.

Sometimes we do.

Have you shared any confidential information

with the U.S. Marshals about the International Liaison Unit's operations?

No.

Did you show disloyalty to Mexico

by sharing information or confidential documents

with anyone outside of the unit?

No.

Tijuana, what the fuck is up?

Yeah, put your fucking hands up, Tijuana!

I can't never get too much

In the streets where I grew up

It don't matter, you get touched

Straight from LA All the way to Tijuana

No love for that opposition It's just me against the world

There ain't no competition

Make sure that you got it 'Fore you make a proposition

'Cause ain't nobody taking my position They ain't fucking with my cliqa

Cliqa, cliqa, cliqa, cliqa, cliqa

See your middle fingers up now

No love for la chota No love for la chota

And every time They thinking of talking shit

So I ain't doing nada If you wasn't grinding wit' us

-Yeah. -Tijuana, what the fuck is up?

Yeah, yeah, yeah!

-Yo. -Yo.

"Cliqa, cliqa."

You gonna make a little wish?

Perhaps?

You're so sweet.

-Hi. -Hi.

-Hey. -Who's the birthday boy?

Uh, our little Micky.

She's turning six.

Congratulations.

Sit down, have a little piece of cake.

The more, the merrier.

Give us a sec, all right? We'll be right back, okay?

What are you doing?

What are you doing?

What are you gonna wish for?

I think they might be trying to steal our cake, huh?

Well, that was awkward.

Don't you think we would screw the kid up by taking them away like that?

That's two wishes. That's two.

They deserve a second chance.

They look so happy.

I know they need a bath or shower, but they love each other, you know?

We're not the ones who get to decide.

We have an order to follow, that's it.

Look, Cami.

When I was 11, I realized that my mom had given me up for adoption

and that she was a drug addict.

But believe me, I'd much rather have stayed with her.

Despite the drugs, I swear.

-What are you gonna wish for? -It won't come true if you tell!

Archi, your story is not their story.

And you're with the police.

We have a job to do.

What? What was that?

Come on, Micky.

-Don't you want another birthday surprise? -I think she does.

Tay and, uh, Tony Walton…

Hm?

We're from the International Liaison Unit.

-You're wanted for parental kidnapping. -Oh no. No.

We're here to take you to the border to get deported,

and take the kids back into foster care.

We've been clean for almost a week now.

Look, we just want an opportunity to be a family again. Please!

We're sorry, but we need to take you now.

-No! -Please.

-It'll be okay. -Time to go.

-Come on. Please. -Wait a minute.

Let's go.

Hey, he's leaving.

This is our chance. Let's go for it.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy,

you're wanted for murder in the state of California. All right?

You're under arrest.

You fucking Eminem wannabe.

I have your gun on you.

That's right, motherfucker.

I'm wanted in California. I'm not wanted down here.

Oh my God, he's coming. It's JFK!

Hey! Hi! JFK!

-JFK! -Over here. Just one photo!

-Please, let me get a photo! -He hit me!

-JFK! -Hey! Hey!

Hey! Hey!

-Police! Stop, asshole! -Hey!

I'mma pull up in a brand-new whip

Don't try me, that's real stupid…

Fuck!

Fuck!

Makin' money overseas I do what I please, uno…

Motherfucker!

-Fuck you! -Beto! Flank him.

-No! -I will put a bullet in her fucking head!

-Freeze! -Back!

Stay the fuck back!

Stay back!

Stay the fuck back!

-Everybody back! -Let her go! Don't move!

I will fucking kill her.

-Back! -Easy.

I will fucking kill her!

Stay back!

-Stay back, I'll put a bullet in her. -Easy!

-Get the fuck back! -Easy!

Let her go!

Stay the fuck back!

Stay back.

-Don't do it! -Let her go, asshole!

What the fuck? I'll fucking kill you!

Fuck!

Fuck.

Get your fucking hands off me!

Think you're a gangster, motherfucker?

-Fucking bitch. Get off of me! -You fucking idiot.

-Yeah, right. -Don't fucking touch me!

Did you join the International Liaison Unit because of Temo?

It's more complex than that.

You need to answer my questions with a "yes" or "no."

Yes.

I guess I did.

Were you a witness to any act of corruption under Temo's command?

No.

Did you take part in illicit acts or corruption under his command, Nico?

No.

He had opened a secret bank account. Did you know about that?

-Ah, that account is a bunch of bullshit. -Yes or no?

No.

UNKNOWN NUMBER ASK ABOUT TEMO'S DEATH

WE HAVE TO CATCH HIM

Let me know when they're done examining the kids

and we'll go get them.

Liam Taylor!

Partner.

You won't have to talk to the psychologist.

Your toxicology test came back positive.

-All right. Show me the results. -Positive. Amphetamines.

Ring a bell?

Get out of here, Taylor.

-Son of a fucking bitch. -What was that?

Nothing.

That's what I thought.

What happened, Beto?

You had that fucking rapper in your sights.

The guy was distracted with me.

He wanted to kill me, and that poor woman.

Why didn't you shoot him? Come on.

I don't know.

Killing that Border Patrol bastard really messed you up.

Beto, that fucker was about to kill us.

You did what you had to do.

The psychologist says I need therapy.

And if I don't go I'll get suspended.

Or fired.

We need to make sure you get over it, dude.

You remember Temo telling us,

"In this unit, we have to have each other's back all the time"?

Do you know what the consequences are when you disturb a crime scene?

Yes.

Had you arranged to see Temo

at the same location where he was found dead?

Yes.

Had you been planning on talking that night

because you'd been hiding something?

No.

Are you hiding anything regarding the assassination of Temo Lozano?

No.

Yes or no, did you take Temo's cell off of his body when you found him dead?

No.

-No! -It'll be okay.

-Ma'am, that's enough. -Look after your sister.

-Mom. -It's okay, baby, I'm gonna see you soon.

-That's enough. Ma'am. -I'll see you real soon.

-Mom! -I love you.

-Baby, it's okay. -No.

Mom!

-Mom! Dad! -We'll see you soon.

-Hey, baby. Come here. -You're fine.

Come over here. Come on, baby.

It's okay. It's okay.

What happened, María?

Everything okay?

Yeah, yeah, yeah, we're fine.

My mom and I talked.

And we really want to get to the bottom of this.

Are you sure about that?

Say the word, and we'll follow this all the way to the end.

But it'll be very dangerous.

We want to know who killed him and why.

And we want you to help us, Nico.

We can't trust anyone else.

All right.

Stay where you are.

Don't talk to anyone,

and don't answer the phone unless it's me calling.

Okay.

Yahir!

Yahir!

Hey.

Uh, is Yahir here?

I don't know any Yahir. Get the fuck outta here!

Hey, beautiful! Did you lose something?

What are you doing here, huh?

Uh…

What are you looking for?

Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!

Bitch!

Hey! Why you walking so fast?

That's rude.

Come on,güerita. What'd you come here for?

We can help you find it.

-Gloria? -Nico. Nico, Nico, Nico.

What happened?

-I did something stupid. -Gloria, what did you do?

I'm in Sánchez Taboada.

-What?! -Hey, baby!

-Check the location I sent you, please! -Hey, baby.

Why the hell would you go there alone? I'm on my way!

Hurry, Nico. They're cornering me.

-Try to buy yourself some time. -No, no, no.

-Hey, I'm talking to you! -Gloria!

BASED ON THE WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE "THE GRINGO HUNTERS" BY KEVIN SIEFF