Jack Brewer’s Mission in Guatemala: A Focus on Migrant Families

EXCLUSIVE: Retired New York Giants safety Jack Brewer and his global ministry are actively engaged in humanitarian efforts in Guatemala City this week. They are assisting local officials in welcoming migrant families deported from the U.S., providing them with essential food, support, and spiritual guidance as they strive to restart their lives.

Experience in Action

Brewer, through his Jack Brewer Foundation, brings years of experience working in impoverished regions such as Haiti, Malawi, and Central America. This extensive background has afforded him unique insights and connections that allow him to work closely with these returning families, many of whom are facing profound challenges.

The Political Context

Amid the ongoing discourse on immigration policies, Brewer attributed the current situation not only to the enforcement actions by President Donald Trump’s administration and border czar Tom Homan but also to the “broken” policies under former President Joe Biden. Brewer contended that these policies have exacerbated the difficulties faced by migrant families.

“Three years ago, I started to follow the fatherlessness crisis that is happening right here in Guatemala, where a lot of men were leaving their households and coming to Joe Biden’s open borders – and just seeing it literally devastate families,” Brewer explained.

The Impact on Families

Brewer described the troubling phenomenon where families in Guatemala are losing significant portions of their workforce. Many families desperate for a better life in the U.S. are unaware of legal immigration avenues, often misled by coyotes and traffickers who charge thousands of dollars for dangerous journeys north.

“They’ve been told by coyotes and different people that you can just come [to the U.S.], and if you come here, if you bring your child, they’ll just let you in,” Brewer said, highlighting a critical gap in awareness and education among these families about their migration options.

Collaborations for a Better Response

During his stay in Guatemala, Brewer met with Raul Berrios of the National Council for Attention to Migrants of Guatemala (CONAMIGUA) and Sergio Samuel Vela-Lopez, the head of the Guatemala Penitentiary Department. Together, they are working to create an effective system that differentiates between innocent families and individuals who may have criminal records, ensuring that resources are allocated appropriately.

Many families returning to Guatemala City live far from the capital and struggle to find transportation home. Brewer’s team has hired buses to assist migrants in making their way back to their homes, illustrating a proactive approach to easing their burden.

Witnessing Hardship

Brewer’s firsthand account of the situation reflects deep compassion and concern. He expressed the difficulties of witnessing the hardships endured by returning families, including disturbing stories of violence perpetrated by cartels against those trying to make the perilous journey.

“It’s just pretty tough to see and witness and watch,” he remarked, sharing that his interactions have ranged from stories of familial struggles to shocking accounts of individuals who have faced fatal violence for failing to pay traffickers.

Providing Hope

On a recent day when a U.S. military plane landed carrying deported migrants, Brewer was present to offer essential support. “We were able to provide them with food and, most importantly, with Bibles, and we preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Brewer said, emphasizing the importance of spiritual nourishment alongside physical aid.

Brewer highlighted that many of the children affected by this crisis, particularly those under eight years old, have been misled about the nature of migration to the U.S. “They’re told it’s their life’s mission to migrate to the U.S. illegally,” he said, recounting painful stories of children suffering during their journeys.

Critique of Existing Policies

In light of the current political leadership, Brewer criticized Vice President Kamala Harris’s visit to Guatemala in March 2024, asserting that her focus on root causes such as corruption and lack of opportunity failed to address the immediate needs of the families affected by migration. He argued that the policies from Harris and her administration have inadvertently empowered human traffickers.

“Half of Guatemala still lives in extreme poverty with little education,” Brewer noted. He expressed concern that resources provided through USAID are often misguided, reflecting a need for a reevaluation of how aid is distributed.

A Shift in Strategy

Brewer underscored the necessity for a comprehensive approach to tackling the issues that fuel the booming human trafficking industry. “Walls, deportations and enforcement are a must, but educating indigenous populations on the truths of coyotes will deliver a devastating blow to the modern human slave trade,” he stated decisively.

The former NFL safety also pointed out that Guatemala does not enforce migration regulations adequately. “Haitians and Venezuelans are warned about the dangers of migrating, but there is no enforcement at the time,” he added, reflecting on his visits to overcrowded prisons filled with those apprehended under current immigration laws.

Conclusion: A Need for Action

As Brewer continues his mission in Guatemala, he illustrates not only the personal narratives of struggling families but also the intricate socio-political landscape that complicates the issue of migration. His work serves as a reminder of the urgent need for effective solutions that address not only the symptoms but also the root causes of this humanitarian crisis.

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