The official media outlet Cubadebate spread a false news on Tuesday, announcing the alleged death of the Venezuelan migrant Luis Manuel Rivas Velásquez, content creator known as “Luis Frío Oficial,” at the detention center Alligator Alcatraz in the United States. However, official U.S. sources and independent journalists have refuted this information.
The official version: a fainting, not a death
Venezuelan journalist Carla Angola confirmed through the social media platform X that Rivas did not pass away, but rather suffered a fainting episode and was taken to the hospital as a precaution.
The information was provided directly by the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, who also stated that the migrant "has a criminal record, including an arrest for robbery in Miami," but is alive and under medical observation.
On his part, the Cuban journalist from Telemundo, Alexis Boentes, also denied on Facebook the version published by the Cuban official portal: “No one has died in Alligator Alcatraz. ICE confirmed to Noticias Telemundo that Rivas Velásquez fainted and was taken to the hospital as a precaution.”
The wife's accusation and media manipulation
The confusion arose following a strong testimony from the influencer's wife, Roxana Nava, who reported on social media that her partner had been requesting medical assistance for days without receiving a response and that she feared for his life due to the deterioration of his health: fever, sores, chest pain, and unsanitary conditions.
That complaint was used by activists to demand an investigation into the conditions of the Alligator Alcatraz center, a facility that has been repeatedly highlighted for the mistreatment of Latin American migrants.
However, Cubadebate went further and falsely asserted his death, without verification or consultation with official U.S. sources, in what appears to be an attempt to politically exploit the case to attack the U.S. immigration system.
Who is Luis Rivas?
Luis Manuel Rivas Velásquez, 29 years old, is a well-known mechanic and content creator from Venezuela, highly popular on social media for his charisma and work in the automotive world. His case has generated a wave of support from followers and human rights defenders, both for his current situation and for the ongoing criticisms of the prison located in Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation at Alligator Alcatraz Detention Center
What really happened to the Venezuelan migrant Luis Manuel Rivas Velásquez in Alligator Alcatraz?
Contrary to what Cubadebate reported, Luis Manuel Rivas Velásquez has not passed away, but rather suffered a fainting spell and was taken to the hospital as a precaution. This information was confirmed by the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, and by the journalist Alexis Boentes from Telemundo.
What are the conditions in Alligator Alcatraz that have generated criticism?
The Alligator Alcatraz detention center has been criticized for inhumane conditions such as overcrowding, lack of hygiene, extreme heat, and inadequate food. Testimonies also point to the lack of proper medical attention and the absence of privacy for detainees.
What actions have the authorities taken in response to the complaints about Alligator Alcatraz?
Despite the complaints, U.S. authorities have maintained that there are no hunger strikes at the center and that these are false accusations that demean ICE agents. Nevertheless, activists and family members continue to demand investigations and improvements in detention conditions.
How have the families of those detained at Alligator Alcatraz reacted?
Family members of those detained have expressed their concern and have reported the lack of communication and access to justice for their loved ones. They have formed support groups and have used social media to raise awareness of the situation and request help from the authorities.
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