In the early 1900s in Texas, miscommunication leads to a tragic misunderstanding between Mexican-American Gregorio Cortez and a Texas sheriff. During an attempt to arrest Cortez for a crime he did not commit, a language barrier results in the sheriff being shot and killed. Cortez goes on the run, with law enforcement hot on his trail. The incident inflames existing tensions between the Anglo and Mexican communities, intensifying the law's pursuit of Cortez across the expansive Texas landscape.

As Cortez evades capture, a posse forms to hunt him down, driven by vengeance and fueled by the escalating conflict. The chase becomes a dramatic cat-and-mouse game, showcasing Cortez's resourcefulness and resilience. Every close encounter builds his legend among supporters and detractors alike, turning him into both a folk hero and a symbol of resistance. The relentless pursuit reveals deeper issues of cultural prejudice and injustice that pervade the region. The tension heightens as Cortez's flight captures the public's attention, setting the stage for a dramatic resolution that will leave a lasting impact on everyone involved.