Migrant smuggling networks are increasingly targeting young Americans, using social media platforms to recruit individuals for illicit activities. These recruiters are frequently in league with violent cartels. They greatly obfuscate their work using euphemisms such as calling their “smugglers” anything but—they call them “drivers,” “choferes,” or “taxis.” As demand for these black market services increases, so do the profits for anyone willing to break the law.
The price for crossing the U.S.-Mexico border has soared in recent years, particularly amid the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal crossings. The resulting increase in costs has forced the smuggling market into the shadows. Now, recruiters are salivating at the prospect of signing up new drivers from the US, especially focused on attracting millennials. One high school single mother in Phoenix found herself ensnared in this cycle of recruitment. This journey ended up inspiring her to smuggle nearly 100 people herself.
The Role of Social Media in Recruitment
So, platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Snapchat have become increasingly influential in the recruiting process. Flexible work Recruiters use emojis—including taxis or cars—to surreptitiously signal their interest in hiring drivers. At times, they use chicken emojis to signify “pollos,” which is a slang term for migrants. The informal tone of these messages can help to downplay the threat and create a more attractive proposition for aspiring recruits.
An extraordinary young woman managed both her pursuit of a psych degree and living costs. She documented her whole recruitment experience on social media, candidly sharing both the good and bad times. She remembered how she was first courted and then went on to start recruiting.
“5-10k in a day lmk,” she posted on Snapchat, signaling the potentially lucrative nature of the work.
She explained how her network grew quickly, stating, “From that point forward, it was just me finding people that would go and … drive, and we would split the money.”
Social media has not only facilitated the flow of information, but it has made recruitment much easier for cartels. At the same time, it raises big questions about the safety and legality of these operations.
Financial Incentives and Risk Factors
The financial incentive for young Americans to get engaged in migrant smuggling are enormous. Payouts can quickly climb to 2500 dollars or more per trip. This seductive promise lures countless people from low-income families or with past criminal records into a perilous spiral. The Phoenix kidnap victim described her reluctance but was eventually won over by promises of fast cash.
“I feel like I fell too deep into what was going on … the money that was being made … I was, at the time, being selfish,” she reflected on her involvement.
Federal authorities have acknowledged the recent and alarming trend of youth recruitment between the ages of 18 to 25. New federal data show that more than 431 people have been charged with smuggling offenses in Arizona alone over the last six months. Whether supporting disinformation campaigns during elections or robocalling older Americans, this increase underscores the need for strong tools to fight these networks.
The Sinaloa Cartel has noted that despite law enforcement efforts, “People are still going to bring things” into the U.S., according to a senior operative. The cartel continues to argue that bringing in new drivers is vital for their work. They’re convinced that the risks associated with this work are more than offset by the financial rewards.
Law Enforcement Challenges and Legislative Actions
Here’s what federal law enforcement agencies—from the Department of Justice to the DEA—are doing to dismantle these networks. For context, the DEA’s recent enforcement action against the Sinaloa Cartel was the largest seizure ever of fentanyl pills and powder. They were able to announce 617 arrests including over $12 million seized in currency and assets in the U.S. and overseas. Even still, battles remain as smugglers are more advanced than ever and have found ways to go around or avoid even the most fortified checkpoints.
Both law enforcement officials and advocates have recognized that officers have been complicit in smuggling operations. This culture of corruption justifies complicating enforcement efforts and calls into question the effectiveness of current strategies.
To address these persistent problems, lawmakers introduced a bipartisan reauthorization. This legislation specifically addresses the recruitment tactics of international cartels that exploit social media to lure young Americans into trafficking operations. Beyond possibly saving debts, Snapchat’s proactive detection system is a step towards detecting and preventing illegal activities. Perhaps the most notable provision, it zeroes in on cracking down smuggler hiring practices along the southern border.
The young woman’s experience serves as a cautionary tale to us all about how quickly and easily one can fall into toxic, deadly pipelines. She expressed uncertainty about the true nature of her connections:
“To my knowledge it was one person that I would communicate with. But now … it could have been multiple people on one account … I truly have no clue who I was working for.”
Authorities are working hard to overcome these obstacles. Communities and families need to be better educated on the dangers of engaging in or joining transnational networks of migrant smuggling.
