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Day 6

Pop or propaganda? Why the US government wants a hit song in Latin America

Radio stations across Latin America are playing a catchy song called "La Bestia," with lyrics warning of the dangers of travelling aboard the infamous Mexican freight train known as "The Beast". What listeners might not know is the song was created by a branch of U.S. Homeland Security.
CBC Radio ·
People hoping to reach the U.S. ride atop the wagon of a freight train, known as La Bestia (The Beast) in Ixtepec, in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, on June 18, 2014. (Jose de Jesus Cortes/Reuters)
Day 67:55The US Government is deterring illegal immigrants with pop music

Radio stations across Latin America are playing a catchy song called "La Bestia," with lyrics warning of the dangers of travelling aboard the infamous Mexican freight train known as "The Beast". What listeners might not know is the song was created by the U.S. Department of Customs and Border Protection, a branch of Homeland Security. It's part of their new "Dangers Awareness Campaign," aimed at people considering crossing the U.S. border through Mexico.

Brent spoke to Jaime Ruiz, the director of the campaign and a Branch Chief of the Department of Customs and Border Protection. Listen to a clip of "La Bestia" at the CBP website here.

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