The state-controlled media outlet, Cubadebate, has come under fire for disseminating false information on Tuesday regarding the alleged death of Venezuelan migrant Luis Manuel Rivas Velásquez. Known online as "Luis Frío Oficial," Rivas was reportedly deceased at the Alligator Alcatraz detention center in the United States. However, this claim has been debunked by U.S. officials and independent journalists.
Actual Events: A Fainting Spell, Not a Death
Venezuelan journalist Carla Angola clarified on the social platform X that Rivas did not die but merely fainted and was taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure. This information came directly from Tricia McLaughlin, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Deputy Undersecretary, who also mentioned that Rivas has a criminal background, including an arrest for theft in Miami. Despite these issues, he is alive and currently under medical supervision.
Adding to the narrative, Cuban journalist Alexis Boentes from Telemundo also refuted the Cuban outlet's report on Facebook: "No one has died at Alligator Alcatraz. ICE confirmed to Noticias Telemundo that Rivas Velásquez fainted and was hospitalized as a precaution."
Outcry from Family and Media Manipulation
The controversy began after a poignant account from Rivas's wife, Roxana Nava, who took to social media to express her concerns. She stated that her husband had repeatedly requested medical help without receiving any response, fearing for his life due to his worsening health conditions, including fever, sores, chest pain, and unhygienic living circumstances.
Activists used this testimony to call for an investigation into the conditions at the Alligator Alcatraz facility, an institution frequently criticized for mistreating Latin American migrants. However, Cubadebate exaggerated the situation by falsely reporting his death without verifying facts with U.S. sources, seemingly in an attempt to politically criticize the U.S. immigration system.
Who is Luis Rivas?
Luis Manuel Rivas Velásquez, aged 29, is a well-known Venezuelan mechanic and content creator, famous for his charisma and contributions to the automotive world on social media. His situation has sparked a wave of support from followers and human rights advocates, not only due to his current predicament but also because of ongoing criticisms aimed at the Florida-based detention center.
Key Questions About the Incident at Alligator Alcatraz
What actually happened to Luis Manuel Rivas Velásquez?
Contrary to reports of his death, Luis Manuel Rivas Velásquez experienced a fainting episode and was taken to the hospital as a precaution. He is alive and under medical observation.
How did the misinformation about Rivas's death spread?
The misinformation was propagated by the Cuban media outlet Cubadebate, which falsely reported his death without confirming with official U.S. sources.
Who confirmed the actual status of Rivas?
Venezuelan journalist Carla Angola, and Alexis Boentes from Telemundo, as well as U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Deputy Undersecretary Tricia McLaughlin, confirmed that Rivas is alive.