The coyoterismo is the mobilization and illegal trafficking, in order to cross international borders, after payment of a "canon". A “coyote” is the person who is in charge of carrying out the procedures, especially those who do not have proper documentation, in exchange for remuneration.
The term originates from South and Central America, in countries such as Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico, although we should also add transit countries such as Guatemala, Costa Rica, and the main destination of emigrants, the United States.
Behind drug trafficking, coyoterism is the most profitable crime for those who carry it out. Due to the amount of money they move, and the "influences" that this generates, the coyoteros are never imprisoned.
What is coyoterism and how does it work?
The operating example corresponds to Ecuador. According to the National Police, coyoterism moves along two paths, the legal and the illegal.
The legal route is more expensive, as the bribes are higher, and it gives the impression that everything is done legally. Sports, cultural and social groups, among others, are used to include the name of their "clients" on the payroll.
In a case like this, two members of the Ecuadorian Football Federation were arrested.
The illegal route is the most dangerous for the emigrant. It is generally carried out by sea, although there are also cases of air transport to Mexico or Canada, and from there by land.
Who are the coyotes?
The older coyotero, who is the one who takes the most profit, moves very cautiously, and has first-rate contacts at all levels.
This has a point man who is the recruiter. This man is the one who is in charge of organizing everything and recruits the interested parties by telling them that a boat is going to leave.
It is also in charge of hiring the hotels, transport and the boat, so that the trip is carried out successfully. After this, he communicates with Central America or the United States, to notify those who will be in charge of introducing the emigrants of the departure.
Coyoteros roam the poorest areas of these countries, especially choosing rural areas to operate.
They convince the peasants to migrate by sea. The problem is that many are convinced and mortgage their houses or go into debt, and the debt will end up being paid by the family.
On the other hand, these displacement of migrants are in themselves highly dangerous, where people are exposed to the worst humiliations, humiliations, and a tragic death.
Many times they go to prison in countries that are foreign to them, with little possibility of defending themselves.
The authorities always attack the consequences, without investigating the causes. This type of crime is allowed to be global.
In China, snakeheads act in a similar way, introducing people to the United States and other parts of the world.
References
- "Coyote, meaning in news about emigration" in Fundeu BBVA (July 2014). Recovered in September 2017 from Fundeu BBVA: fundeu.es
- "Coyoterism and violence take over migrants" in El Diario EC (August 2010). Recovered in September 2017 from El Diario EC: eldiario.ec
- "The coyotero and the lost interview" in The Ecuadorian Super Migrant. Recovered in September 2017 from The Ecuadorian Super Migrant at: elsupermigrantecuatoriano.blogspot.com.ar
- "Coyoterism moves in two routes" in La Hora (July 2006). Recovered in September 2017 from La Hora at lahora.com.ec
- "Coyoterism is an unpunished crime" in El Comercio (August 2010). Recovered in September 2017 from El Comercio at: elcomercio.com.