José Enrique Morales Besada, a young LGBTQ+ activist from Cuba, has reported encountering the same aggressors in the United States who forced him to flee his homeland. The individuals in question, Reisel and Leiser Herrera Pardo, were accused of brutally attacking him in Cuba back in 2017. Despite now being on American soil, the harassment has not ceased, as they continue to target Morales Besada with offensive messages and threats.
According to Morales Besada, also known by the name "Vida Victoria," the Herrera Pardo brothers—linked to Cuba's oppressive regime—are currently residing in the U.S., having entered the country under the guise of being exiles. However, Morales Besada asserts that they concealed their violent past and persist in engaging in homophobic behaviors while in the United States.
Past Aggression and Current Threats
In 2017, Morales Besada suffered a violent attack in Ciego de Ávila, resulting in severe physical and psychological trauma. Despite being reported to Cuban authorities, the attackers, identified as Reisel and Leiser Herrera Pardo, were ultimately acquitted. The incident was well-documented by independent media and human rights organizations.
"They operate with impunity, posing as false exiles but continuing their attacks," Morales Besada stated, noting that the aggressors have reached out to him on social media with homophobic slurs such as “pájaro” and “maricón,” actions that could qualify as hate crimes in the United States.
Calls for Justice and Accountability
Morales Besada has also released an audio recording allegedly featuring threats and insults from the aggressors' father, known as “Momporro,” which has rekindled the trauma that forced him to seek asylum. These ongoing threats and the documented history of violence have led to a public outcry for U.S. immigration and judicial authorities to take action. Morales Besada has initiated a petition on Change.org, demanding the deportation of his attackers.
There is growing pressure from organizations and citizens for agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the FBI to investigate how the Herrera Pardo brothers entered the country and whether they misrepresented their history when seeking immigration benefits.
"The United States cannot serve as a haven for aggressors. Freedom should not be a shield to continue harming others," states a widely circulated message on social media. This case has resonated strongly with activists and human rights defenders, revealing that harassment can cross borders and suggesting that the immigration system may be exploited by those with violent pasts.
The community is demanding justice, transparency, and effective protection for those who have suffered from discrimination, gender-based violence, and political persecution.
Understanding the Impact of Cuban Political Persecution in the U.S.
Who is José Enrique Morales Besada?
José Enrique Morales Besada is a Cuban LGBTQ+ activist who fled Cuba after being violently attacked due to his activism.
What actions are being taken against Reisel and Leiser Herrera Pardo?
A petition has been launched on Change.org to demand their deportation, and there are calls for ICE and the FBI to investigate their entry into the U.S.
How has the case affected the activist community?
The case has sparked significant concern among activists and human rights defenders, highlighting issues of cross-border harassment and potential exploitation of immigration systems by individuals with violent backgrounds.