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DEARBORN, MI – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) pressed US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to use all authorities in his power to evacuate American citizens stranded in Peru and Guatemala. Dingell and her office have been in contact with several Michigan families who were unable to leave the countries after their borders were closed in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. 

A copy of Dingell’s letter is available here or below:

Dear Secretary Pompeo:

This letter is regarding U.S. citizens who are stranded abroad in Peru and Guatemala.  My office has heard from several constituents who are stuck in these countries after these nations closed their borders in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.  These families are afraid for their future and are worried they may not be able to return home to the United States if action is not taken soon to help them.   I implore you to act expeditiously and use all authorities in your power to begin evacuations of U.S. citizens who are stuck in these countries.

During the time that I have been working with families stuck in these countries, they have expressed to me great uncertainty and fear that the situation could continue to get worse and they will not be able to leave.  Every U.S. citizen deserves the peace of mind in knowing that the U.S. Department of State is working on their behalf when they are overseas.  I have great respect for the brave men and women of the Foreign Service and all of our employees at the State Department, but we need them to act quickly and expeditiously in times of national crisis such as this. 

The situation is urgent and immediate action is needed.  Secretary Pompeo, I urge you to get personally involved to ensure the safe return of U.S. citizens stranded in Peru and Guatemala. 

Sincerely, 

Debbie Dingell

Member of Congress

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