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The family of Miguel Mondragón, the 49-year-old man killed during a robbery attempt in Austin, Texas, claims to have received dozens of messages from people who were also victims of the same attackers, allegedly members of the FBM gang, composed of Cuban citizens.
"These are just a few of the many people who have reached out to us, also victims of the same criminals who murdered my father," denounced Jaimes Jasmin, daughter of the deceased, in a post on Facebook.
"Please help us raise our voices and demand justice by sharing the posts about this case. We cannot remain silent, and for that, we need everyone's help," the young woman had requested in a previous post.
Following their public call, several testimonies have confirmed the alleged connections of the detainees with a broader criminal network that is dedicated to extorting immigrants in Texas, taking advantage of their fear of reporting amid Donald Trump's immigration policies.
"Those people who killed your dad are in a gang called FBM, they are Cuban. All those who are detained are part of that gang," one of the received messages stated.
Others reported being beaten, run over, or assaulted by the same individuals. “One girl recounted that she and her sister were attacked to rob them; another victim said she was struck by a vehicle,” Jasmin recounted.
A man claimed that he was attacked by Cubans, who stole his cellphone and searched his car.
Similarly, some said that the band performs "for the adrenaline," not out of necessity, since all the young members are working.
According to the information shared, the alleged leader of the criminal group is Alejandro Hurtado-Reyes, who would be accompanied by his wife, also linked to the criminal activities.
Hurtado-Reyes, 22 years old, was one of the five Cubans arrested for the murder of Mondragón, which took place on August 3 in the northeast of Austin.
Along with him, Yanaris Reyes (29), Antonio González (17), Yurisander Góngora Rojas (19), and Héctor Yohany Achang Batlle (19) were arrested, facing charges of capital murder.
According to the local police, the suspects blocked the truck in which Mondragón was traveling, descended with masks and weapons, and opened fire. The victim attempted to escape on foot but was caught and executed. Afterwards, the attackers stole his belongings.
The defendants were arrested between August 12 and 19 by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, led by the U.S. Marshals.
The family fears that low bail amounts and the elimination of charges will allow those responsible to be released. One of them, Alejandro Hurtado-Reyes, is already free on bail.
"We ask you to exercise caution, as this individual has been described as dangerous," Jasmin warned. "This is not only for justice for my father, but for each one of those individuals who have yet to be heard."
In the midst of the pain, family members and close friends have organized initiatives to support Mondragón's children, including a solidarity raffle launched by his niece, Lorena Jaimes.
Frequently asked questions about the case of the Cuban band in Texas
Who are the accused in the murder of Miguel Mondragón in Texas?
The accused in the murder of Miguel Mondragón are five Cuban citizens: Alejandro Hurtado-Reyes, Yanaris Reyes, Antonio González, Yurisander Góngora Rojas, and Héctor Yohany Achang Batlle. They all face capital murder charges after ambushing and shooting Mondragón during a robbery attempt in Austin, Texas.
What is the FBM gang and what is its connection to crime?
The FBM gang is a criminal group made up of Cuban citizens, allegedly responsible for several robberies and assaults in Texas. The individuals accused of the murder of Mondragón have been identified as members of this gang, which acts "for adrenaline" rather than economic necessity, as its members have formal jobs.
Why does the Mondragón family fear the release of the accused?
The Mondragón family fears that low bail amounts and the dropping of charges will facilitate the release of the accused. Alejandro Hurtado-Reyes, identified as the gang leader, is already out on bail. The family has urged the community to demand that the authorities maintain the charges to ensure that those responsible are held appropriately accountable.
What measures have the victim's family taken to seek justice?
The family of Miguel Mondragón has organized initiatives to demand justice and support his children. Jaimes Jasmin, the victim's daughter, has used social media to make a public appeal for community support. Additionally, her niece Lorena Jaimes has launched a solidarity raffle to raise funds to cover the expenses related to the crime and the funeral.
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