Guatemala Struggles to Protect At-Risk Children from Controversial Jewish Sect

In a recent clash, Guatemalan police have intervened to protect 160 children from the Lev Tahor sect, known for its extremist practices, amid allegations of abuse and manipulative control over its followers.

Guatemalan authorities are currently engaged in a standoff with members of the Lev Tahor sect, aimed at protecting 160 children who were recently rescued from an allegedly abusive environment. The children were taken into protective custody following a police raid at a farm associated with the controversial sect, which has attracted scrutiny for its extreme practices and has been under investigation for serious sexual offenses across multiple countries.

Interior Minister Francisco Jimenez highlighted that concerns arose regarding the potential abuse of these minors by a sect member. The situation escalated on Sunday when sect members attempted to forcibly reclaim the children from a care center, resulting in physical confrontations with law enforcement officials.

The Lev Tahor sect is notorious for implementing a rigid and oppressive structure upon its followers, endorsing practices such as child marriage and severe punishments for perceived misbehaviors. Furthermore, women and girls are mandated to wear full-body robes from a very young age, restricting their freedom of expression.

Amid the unraveling events, sect members have labeled the authorities' actions as religious persecution. Having settled in Guatemala and Mexico between 2014 and 2017, the Lev Tahor community has faced various legal challenges; despite earlier arrests in southern Mexico, many members were released due to insufficient evidence.

The police operation commenced with a raid on the sect's farm in Oratorio, located southeast of Guatemala City. Prosecutors have raised concerns regarding potential incidents of forced pregnancy, mistreatment of minors, and rape within the sect. Following the rescue, familial ties led around 100 relatives of the children to gather outside the center demanding their return.

However, authorities acted quickly, intercepting an attempted abduction and successfully securing the safety of the children, who were placed back under protective custody. This development comes after officials previously faced barriers when trying to assess the wellbeing of the minors at the farm due to the sect's resistance.

There are estimates that the Lev Tahor community consists of about 50 families residing worldwide, including jurisdictions beyond Guatemala, such as the United States and Canada. In response to these unfolding events, the Jewish Community of Guatemala has publicly denounced the sect, affirming its foreign nature and advocating for thorough investigations to ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals within the community.