Emails, Mo Mimnaugh, press attache/information officer, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy, Guatemala, July 23 and Aug. 12, 2014

5:20 p.m.

Here is a quote that can be attributed to the U.S. Embassy Guatemalan Spokesperson – if you wish, you can reference me by name, Maureen Mimnaugh.

“Smuggling organizations play a despicable role, profiteering from the hopes and dreams of desperate people.  There are frequent reports that smugglers are using more creative recruitment techniques, including social media. They spread false rumors that promise immigration benefits to these children once they are in the United States, and attempt to minimize the very real dangers of the journey north. Putting children into the hands of smugglers is a reckless and dangerous undertaking. The children who are fortunate enough to survive the dangerous journey north will be taken care of while they go through the legal process, but in most cases, that process will lead to them being sent back home.”

Additionally, you can reference the Prensa Libre article here:

http://www.prensalibre.com/noticias/migrantes/Coyotes-coordinan-Facebook_0_1170482954.html

Please let me know if you have additional questions.

Thanks,

Mo

Maureen (Mo) Mimnaugh

Information Officer/Agregada de Prensa

Public Affairs Section

U.S. Embassy Guatemala

1:16 p.m.

Aug. 12, 2014

In briefings to CODEL Granger, including Representative Cuellar, Embassy Guatemala staff noted that smugglers are known to provide rebates for positive referrals. This information is from Guatemalan government sources.

Mo