Rancher Pete Perkins discovers that his friend, Melquiades Estrada, an undocumented immigrant, has been murdered near the Texas-Mexico border. When the authorities show little interest in justice, Pete takes matters into his own hands.
Pete kidnaps Mike Norton, a corrupt border patrolman responsible for the killing, and forces him to exhume Melquiades’ body. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to return the body to Mexico, fulfilling a promise Pete made to his friend.
As they travel through harsh landscapes, Mike is pushed to his limits, facing physical and emotional torment. Along the way, he begins to understand the consequences of his actions and undergoes a transformation.
Reaching their destination, Pete gives Melquiades the burial he deserves. He leaves Mike behind, offering him a chance at redemption, before disappearing into the vast desert, his mission complete.