After 48 hours of confusion over the condition of Venezuelan influencer and "Alligator Alcatraz" detainee Luis Manuel Rivas Velásquez, his attorney's have officially confirmed that he is alive and has been returned to the ICE detention center.
The incident began on Wednesday when the detainee's girlfriend, Rosana Navaz, published a video on social media claiming that Rivas had died because of "negligence from the United States." The video, which has since been deleted by Navaz, went viral, prompting outcry from the Venezuelan community.
The Department of Homeland Security denied on Wednesday night that Rivas Velásquez, known as "Luis Frío" on social media, had died through a statement shared by spokesperson Tricia McLaughling with South Florida's NBC 6:
"Rivas Velásquez fainted and was taken to the hospital out of precaution. ICE takes its commitment to protecting those in its custody very seriously. We ensure illegal aliens have access to adequate medical care"
McLaughlin also identified Rivas Velásquez as "an undocumented criminal offender with a criminal history that includes arrest for robbery in Miami."
After the authorities' reponse, Rivas' family demanded "proof of life" of the detainee, stating that "if the information given to us this morning is false and he is well and alive, I apologize to everyone and the U.S. government."
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Later that day, attorneys for Rivas Velásquez confirmed he was alive and had returned to the detention facility after being treated at Kendall Hospital, as NBC News reports. Family attorney James Hollis said the family had feared the worst until that morning. Hollis added that Rivas Velásquez had reported a high fever, shortness of breath, and chest pain, and that he had repeatedly sought medical attention inside the facility but was told staff could not help him.
The news was also confirmed by Venezuelan journalist Carla Angola, how posted on X that the influencer had only fainted:
No murió, fue un desmayo. Caso de migrante venezolano en Alligator Alcatraz:
— Carla Angola TV (@carlaangola) August 7, 2025
El Departamento seguridad nacional EEUU acaba de responder un email que envié solicitando información sobre la condición física de Luis Manuel Rivas Velásquez:
Subsecretaria Tricia McLaughlin: “Luis…
Rivas Velásquez, known in Florida for his social media content on vehicles and mechanics, migrated from Venezuela and, according to Venezuelan news site El Nacional, was awaiting deportation after signing removal documents that have yet to be executed.
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