Jorge Gutiérrez Izaguirre, affectionately known among fellow political prisoners as "El Sheriff," has passed away at Kendall Regional Hospital in Miami, as reported by those close to him through a social media announcement. His life was marked by a relentless fight against the Cuban regime, evidenced by his role in the Assault Brigade 2506 and the years he spent imprisoned on the island.
In the early 1960s, Gutiérrez made his way to the United States, joining a group of exiles being trained to liberate Cuba from communism. Assigned the number 2519 within the Brigade 2506, he was trained as a radio telegraph operator before infiltrating the island to support the Revolutionary Recovery Movement (MRR) guerrillas in the plains of Matanzas.
The Struggle and Imprisonment
At only 23 years old, Gutiérrez was wounded in combat and captured. A Castro-led tribunal sentenced him to death, which was later commuted to 30 years in prison. He served 18 years in the dictatorship's prisons, enduring beatings and torture for maintaining his status as a political prisoner. While incarcerated at Isla de Pinos, he was identified by prisoner number 29587.
In a 2017 interview with Martí Noticias, Gutiérrez discussed his decision to abandon his fourth year of law school at the University of Havana to take up arms. "The revolution's shift towards communism is what drove us to give up the best years of our lives," he stated.
A Life of Commitment
He recounted how, after witnessing the persecution of former allies of the revolutionary process and the arbitrary trials ordered by Fidel Castro, he realized that "the government claiming to seek the people's welfare was not aligning with what many young people desired."
Gutiérrez was apprehended in Calimete, Matanzas, during a clash with militia forces. Despite suffering a severe gunshot wound to the chest, he survived efforts to let him die in a military hospital.
Convicted as a CIA agent under case number 406/61, he eventually gained his freedom and settled in Miami, where he dedicated his life to preserving the memory of fallen comrades and Cuban political prisoners.
Legacy and Remembrance
"El Sheriff" was a beloved figure among exiles from the Brigade 2506 and the Historic Political Prison. In 2016, during the 55th anniversary of the Bay of Pigs invasion, he reflected on the sacrifices of his generation and reaffirmed his commitment to Cuba's freedom.
"Our deepest condolences go out to his wife María, his children, family, and comrades of the Brigade," reads the farewell message from his brothers in arms.
Key Insights into Jorge Gutiérrez Izaguirre's Legacy
Who was Jorge Gutiérrez Izaguirre?
Jorge Gutiérrez Izaguirre was a notable member of the Brigade 2506 and a former Cuban political prisoner known for his fight against the Castro regime.
What role did he play in the fight against communism in Cuba?
Gutiérrez was part of the Brigade 2506 and supported guerrilla efforts to overthrow communism in Cuba. He was trained as a radio telegraph operator to assist these operations.
How long was Jorge Gutiérrez imprisoned?
He was sentenced to 30 years in prison but served 18 years, during which he faced significant hardships including beatings and torture.