Warden Information

Santo Domingo Xenacoj

American Embassy Guatemala
American Citizen Warden Program

May 19, 2006

Dear American Citizen Warden:

The following is a Warden Message for distribution to the American citizens on your warden list, and any other Americans you know, as soon as possible. Please contact the American Citizen Services section via e-mail (amcitsguatemala@state.gov), fax (502) 2332-4353, or telephone (502) 2326-4405 if you have any questions.

Thank you very much for your support and assistance.

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WARDEN MESSAGE

Embassy Guatemala City advises American Citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to Santo Domingo Xenacoj, Sacatepequez Department and nearby areas. Santo Domingo Xenacoj is located on the road between San Pedro Sacatepequez (Guatemala Department) and the Interamerican Highway (CA-1) at Sumpango, Sacatepequez. Police in Santo Domingo Xencoj report high levels of suspicion toward Americans, resulting from rumors that Americans are involved with kidnapping and human trafficking operations involving children from the area. A large crowd of local citizens surrounded the police station in Santo Domingo Xenacoj the evening of May 14 in support of three mothers reporting the disappearance of their 12 and 14-year-old sons. Although the children reappeared the next morning, tensions remain high. In explaining their absence, the boys reportedly claimed someone they believed to be an American had offered to take them to the U.S.

As reported in the Consular Information Sheet, the threat of violence against innocent individuals suspected of involvement in kidnapping remains a risk for travelers in Guatemala. Other towns in the highlands and areas surrounding Guatemala City have seen incidents of mob violence resulting in fatal lynchings this year. In April, a crowd in the neighboring town of Sumpango beat and burned to death a man and a woman accused of child stealing. Americans should remain vigilant for signs of mob activity or threatening behavior from local populations anywhere in Guatemala and be very cautious about approaching or photographing children.

American citizens are urged to remain abreast of this situation and to develop personal contingency plans as appropriate.  In addition to local media, American citizens may consult the Embassy’s web page for current situational guidance.  The Embassy’s web page can be found at http://guatemala.usembassy.gov. As additional information becomes available the Embassy will disseminate it via the warden registration system.  American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department’s travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City can be reached at (502) 2326-4405.

For further information on travel to Guatemala, please consult the Department of State’s latest Consular Information Sheet, available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov. The U.S. Embassy is located in Guatemala City at Avenida La Reforma 7-01, Zone 10, Telephone (502) 2326-4000 during business hours (8:00 AM TO 5:00 PM). The American Citizen Services Unit can be reached at (502) 2326-4405 or for after-hour emergencies at (502) 2331-2354, and the e-mail address is: AmCitsGuatemala@state.gov.

U.S. citizens should update their contact information at http://travel.state.gov/travel/abroad_registration.html or at the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City.