The Cuban content creator, Michel Coto Alayón, known on social media as Michel Crónicas, has reported a death threat filled with xenophobic language to the Puebla Prosecutor's Office. An anonymous email demanded that he, along with other Cubans, leave Mexico immediately.
"Get out of my country, or I'll find you no matter what," part of the email reads, continuing with threats of violence against him and other Cubans.
According to reports from El Sol de Puebla, the ominous message was sent at 1:21 a.m. on August 30 to the public email address Michel uses for his YouTube channel. The email's subject line simply read: "Cuba."
Publicizing the Threat
Michel chose to make the threat public on September 4 via a YouTube video. In the video, he shared his initial hesitation about how to respond, ultimately recognizing that this was more serious than the usual online harassment he encounters.
"This isn't your typical hater comment you see on social media... This triggered a warning sign for me because it's not a public message," Michel explained.
Having lived in Mexico for nearly a decade and becoming a citizen, Michel views the message as having a distinct xenophobic undertone against Cubans.
Legal Actions Taken
Despite the anxiety the threat has caused, Michel is determined to continue living his daily life. "I will keep going to malls, having coffee, dining out, living peacefully, and enjoying the things denied to me for almost three decades in my homeland," he stated.
After receiving advice from numerous followers not to dismiss the threat, Michel contacted the Cyber Police of the State of Puebla, where he was given guidance on the next steps and received a case number.
He then went to the Puebla State Attorney General's Office with his ID, proof of residence, screenshots of the email, and a detailed account of the incident.
Michel was referred to the Specialized Unit for the Investigation of Sexual Crimes and Cyber Harassment, where he provided a statement, submitted documents, left his fingerprint, and signed the necessary paperwork. As part of the protocol, he will also undergo a psychological assessment.
"We can't overlook this incident. It's a real death threat, and we don't know the true intentions behind it," he stated in another YouTube video.
Michel emphasized the importance of involving authorities since the identity of the email sender is unknown, and their potential actions are unpredictable. "What seems like an innocent threat could escalate into a major issue," he warned.
Context of Growing Xenophobia
This incident occurs amidst increasing reports of xenophobic episodes targeting Cubans in Mexico. In areas with significant Cuban migrant populations, such as Cancún, organizations have raised concerns about verbal assaults, housing discrimination, and hateful messages.
Michel, who resides in Puebla and has previously worked within the state’s DIF system, uses his channel, Michel Crónicas, to share insights into his life in Mexico and compare experiences between Mexico and Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Threats to Cuban YouTuber Michel Coto Alayón
Who is Michel Coto Alayón?
Michel Coto Alayón is a Cuban YouTuber known as Michel Crónicas, who shares content about his life in Mexico and compares experiences between Mexico and Cuba.
What actions did Michel take after receiving the threat?
Michel reported the threat to the Puebla Prosecutor's Office, sought guidance from the Cyber Police, and submitted a formal complaint with supporting documentation to the Specialized Unit for the Investigation of Sexual Crimes and Cyber Harassment.
How has Michel responded to the threat personally?
Michel has decided to continue living his life normally, despite the threat, by engaging in everyday activities he enjoys, such as visiting malls and dining out.