Trauma in Guatemala and Postville, Iowa

• Main Author: Lechtenberg, Jessica J
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: Augustana Digital Commons 2018
• Subjects: Trauma; Guatemala; Postville; Immigration; Raid; Latin American Languages and Societies; Latin American Studies; Social and Cultural Anthropology
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.augustana.edu/ltamstudent/2; https://digitalcommons.augustana.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1001&context=ltamstudent

This study uses a historical understanding of Guatemala to explain the significant trauma following the largest immigration raid in U.S. history which primarily deported Guatemalan residents who had been working at the Agriprocessors meat processing plant without documentation. Through an analysis of literature detailing the immigration raid, Guatemala's history of violence, and court proceedings, I have found that high levels of trauma exist for the individuals who were deported following the raid and for their families and friends. Personal communication with the current Dean of Students at Postville's public school lends a hand in gaining a deeper understanding of the raid's impacts and how the community has overcome obstacles to strive for inclusion and celebrate its diversity.