Jack Brewer’s Mission to Aid Migrant Families in Guatemala

A Mission of Compassion: Jack Brewer on the Ground in Guatemala City

Retired NFL safety Jack Brewer and his global ministry are currently in Guatemala City, providing critical support to migrant families deported from the United States. Through his Jack Brewer Foundation, which has extensive experience working in impoverished regions like Haiti, Malawi, and Central America, Brewer and his team are offering food, emotional support, and spiritual guidance to families as they rebuild their lives. Brewer emphasized the personal connection he has developed with these families, having worked closely with communities in crisis for years. However, he also highlighted the larger political landscape, placing blame on former President Joe Biden’s policies for the widespread suffering and chaos. Brewer described Guatemala as a nation grappling with a "fatherlessness crisis," where men leave their families behind to pursue opportunities in the U.S., often in response to what he called Biden’s "open borders."

The Roots of the Crisis: Migration, Misinformation, and Exploitation

Brewer painted a stark picture of the systemic issues driving migration from Guatemala. Many poor families, he explained, are unaware of legal immigration pathways and instead fall prey to cartels and coyotes who promise them safe passage to the U.S. for thousands of dollars. These smugglers often deceive migrants, telling them that bringing a child guarantees entry into the U.S.—a false narrative that has led to devastating consequences. Brewer highlighted the "education gap" among these communities, where misinformation reigns and hope often turns to despair. He also met with Guatemalan officials, including Raul Berrios of CONAMIGUA and Sergio Samuel Vela-Lopez of the Guatemala Penitentiary Department, to discuss solutions. Together, they are working to create a system that distinguishes between innocent families and individuals with criminal records, while also addressing the dire need for resources to enforce migration policies effectively.

Stories of Hardship and Hope: Brewer’s Eyewitness Account

Brewer shared harrowing stories from his time on the ground, including the plight of families returning to Guatemala after being deported. Many of these families live in remote rural areas, hundreds of miles from the capital city, with no clear way to get back home. Brewer visited a bus hired to transport migrants closer to their villages and spoke to its driver, hearing stories of both resilience and tragedy. He recounted reports of migrants being brutalized by Mexican cartels—some even burned alive for failing to pay their passage. Despite the darkness, Brewer remained hopeful, emphasizing the importance of providing not just physical aid but also spiritual support. When a U.S. military plane arrived with deported migrants, Brewer and his team were there to offer food, Bibles, and prayers, bringing a message of hope in the midst of despair.

The Plight of Children: A Generation Lost to Misinformation and Exploitation

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the crisis, according to Brewer, is the impact on children. Many young migrants have been deceived into believing that illegal migration to the U.S. is their "life’s mission," he said. Children are often forced to ride on the backs of cartel coyotes or risk drowning in rivers during the perilous journey north. Brewer noted that the Guatemalan Migration Authority is focusing its efforts on children under the age of 8, many of whom have been deeply traumatized by their experiences. He called for urgent action to protect these vulnerable young lives and to address the root causes of their exploitation.

A Critique of Biden-Harris Immigration Policies

Brewer did not hesitate to criticize the Biden administration’s approach to immigration, arguing that its policies have empowered human traffickers and worsened the crisis. He dismissed Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2021 visit to Guatemala as ineffective, accusing her and Biden of failing to address the real issues driving migration—such as corruption, lack of economic opportunity, and climate resilience. Brewer pointed out that half of Guatemala still lives in extreme poverty, with little access to education or resources. He also criticized the former State Department’s allocation of USAID funds, which he believes were misdirected and failed to address the root causes of the migration crisis. Brewer called for a more comprehensive approach, combining border enforcement with education and empowerment for indigenous communities to combat the multibillion-dollar human trafficking industry.

Brewer’s Vision for a Solution: Enforcement, Education, and Empowerment

Brewer’s time in Guatemala has deepened his resolve to fight for a solution to the migration crisis. He emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of migration laws, both in the U.S. and in Guatemala, but also acknowledged the challenges Guatemala faces in implementing these measures due to overcrowded prisons and limited resources. Brewer visited these prisons himself, witnessing firsthand the dire conditions faced by detainees. Ultimately, he believes the key to dismantling the human trafficking industry lies in educating indigenous populations about the dangers of coyotes and the realities of illegal migration. By empowering these communities with knowledge and resources, Brewer hopes to create a brighter future for Guatemala—and to stem the tide of heartbreak and despair that has defined so many lives.