Guatemala: Rumors of Americans Kidnapping Children

By Larry Habegger | Permalink | No Comments | May 23rd, 2006 | Trackback

Rumors that Americans are involved in kidnapping children and taking them to the U.S. have stirred passions in the highlands and made travel in some areas potentially risky. The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City advises against unnecessary travel to Santo Domingo Xenacoj, Sacatepequez Department and nearby areas. Santo Domingo Xenacoj is located on the road between San Pedro Sacatepequez and the Interamerican Highway at Sumpango, Sacatepequez. A large crowd surrounded the police station in Santo Domingo Xenacoj on May 14 when three boys aged 12 to 14 disappeared. They returned the following morning, explaining that a person they thought was an American had offered to take them to the U.S. Tensions remain high. Incidents of mob violence have occurred in the highlands, most recently in April when a mob killed a couple accused of child stealing in Sumpango. Americans should be very careful photographing or interacting with children.

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