Human Smugglers Exploit Social Media to Offer Services to Migrants
▲ A view of the border from El Paso, Texas. federal estimates suggest that human smugglers in the U.S. generate approximately $615 million annually. Photo by Marco Peláez
Néstor Jiménez
La Jornada Newspaper
Monday, January 20, 2025, p. 2
For many migrants seeking to enter the United States without the necessary documentation, finding a smuggler, commonly referred to as a “coyote,” has become alarmingly easy—thanks to social media platforms like TikTok.
Despite ongoing controversies surrounding TikTok’s future in the U.S., it has emerged as a popular platform for those offering smuggling services. Accounts promoting these services frequently appear and disappear, frequently enough without any clarity regarding the legality or methods of their operations. They claim to facilitate travel for individuals from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Ecuador to the northern border of Mexico, and even to various locations within the United States.
as Donald Trump prepares to return to the White house, at least 21 different accounts remained active over the weekend, some masquerading as travel agencies while others openly identify as coyotes. One account invites users to “realize their dreams,” promising air travel and assistance with identification documents, even claiming to transport minors with their parents.
As December, these accounts have issued urgent messages, suggesting that if individuals wish to cross the border, “now or never” is the time to act, misleadingly asserting that “applications will be approved in record time” this week.
short videos feature migrants sharing their names to confirm their successful crossings, while others document their journeys over the border wall, on boats across the Rio Grande, and in various locations throughout their travels.
One video shows families with children crossing the river, captioned “Delivering through Piedras Negras.”
Direct crossing Offers
In one account, a man in a suit advises followers to disregard news reports while encouraging them to ”turn themselves in” to request asylum as a means of entry. Other posts promote “direct crossings” from Ciudad Juárez or Tijuana, with claims of over 20 years of experience in the business.
At least ten accounts have either no posts or restrict their content to followers onyl.Many other accounts feature migrants sharing their experiences, stating that contacting smugglers is as simple as sending a direct message or commenting on a post.
“If you’re interested in my services, follow me and message me directly,” reads one account, which guarantees “VIP routes” and minimal walking. In another video, a group of people is seen in a small room, with one person stating, “today, October 9, we are in Mexico City with these 34 boxes (people) heading to the border.” This is one of their oldest posts, as the previous account had been blocked.
In 2019, the federal government estimated that human smugglers in the U.S. earn around $615 million each year. According to reports from the Unit of Migration Policy within the ministry of the Interior, between 2021 and 2023, federal authorities apprehended 572 individuals for human trafficking, and from 2022 to the first quarter of 2024, 2,977 investigations where initiated for illegal human trafficking.
Discussion between the Time.news Editor and an Expert in Human migration and Smuggling
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Micallef, and thank you for joining us today. I’m eager to learn more about the role social media plays in human smuggling, especially given the recent revelations that smugglers are using these platforms to promote thier services to migrants.
dr. Micallef: Thank you for having me. It’s an crucial topic that requires our attention. Social media is increasingly becoming a vital tool for human smugglers. They utilize these platforms to reach out directly to vulnerable migrants, offering them promises of safety and assistance in their journeys.
Editor: Fascinating. I’m curious, could you elaborate on how these smugglers operate through social media? What tactics do they use to attract migrants?
Dr. micallef: Certainly.Smugglers often create convincing profiles and use targeted ads to communicate with potential clients. They may share testimonials or manipulated stories of prosperous crossings.The anonymity of social media allows them to build trust more easily, as migrants see them as more relatable compared to traditional criminal networks.
Editor: It sounds like a sophisticated operation. Additionally, given the financial aspect—I’ve read that estimates suggest that human smugglers in the U.S. generate approximately $615 million annually—how does this impact their operations and the migrants’ experiences?
Dr. Micallef: Those figures highlight the scale of the issue. This importent revenue incentivizes smugglers to innovate continuously, and as they’ve adapted to using social media, they’ve also developed more complex networks. Unfortunately, while some migrants may find smuggling routes enticing, they often overlook the dangers involved, including exploitation and human trafficking, which sometimes arise from these relationships.
Editor: That segues nicely into my next question. How are governments responding to this trend of exploitation through social media?
Dr. Micallef: Governments have started recognizing the need for a coordinated approach. As an example, the United Nations’ Global Compact for Migration emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in combating these modern trafficking methods. This involves improving data collection, promoting awareness campaigns, and enhancing border security measures to deter smugglers while addressing the underlying reasons why migrants seek to cross borders in the first place [1[1[1[1].
Editor: It sounds like there’s a delicate balance between enforcing borders and ensuring the safety of migrants.What role does research play in this?
Dr. Micallef: research is crucial. By understanding the patterns of migration and smuggling, authorities can develop evidence-based policies aimed at both prevention and protection. The National Institute of Justice, as a notable example, is involved in funding rigorous research to fill gaps in our knowledge about human trafficking and smuggling practices [2[2[2[2].
Editor: That’s a proactive approach. Lastly, what advice would you give to individuals who might consider using social media to seek help for migration?
Dr. micallef: I would urge caution. Social media is rife with false promises. It’s crucial for individuals to verify sources and be aware of the risks involved,including possible exploitation. Engaging with community organizations and legal aid services that can provide proper guidance is essential rather than relying on smuggler networks.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Micallef, for these invaluable insights. It’s clear that tackling the complexities of human smuggling requires a multifaceted approach, blending policy, research, and community engagement to protect vulnerable populations.
dr. Micallef: It has been my pleasure. The conversation needs to continue as we work towards safer migration practices for all.
