Grief and outrage were palpable as family and friends of the Cubans killed in a reported clash with the Cuban coast guard gathered together.
In Tampa's Casa Cuba, they denounced what they described as a "massacre" and challenged the official narrative released by the Cuban government.
As reported by Telemundo's journalist Gilberto Dorrego, Misael Ortega Casanova, the brother of Michael Ortega Casanova, stated he had been informed that the bodies might not be returned.
"He lost his body, but his soul returned to God who gave it," he remarked, emphasizing that no one can dispute that. He added that they were "led" into the situation and ultimately paid with their lives.
Ortega expressed his belief that the truth will emerge and stood by his family's spiritual convictions.
He declared that he was not afraid of what authorities might say nor of potential repercussions against relatives in Cuba.
"When are we going to end this fear?" he asked, referring to the apprehension of not being able to return to the island or facing possible retaliation.
Another family member addressed the people of the island directly.
He pointed out that neither the deceased nor their children experienced shortages in the United States, dismissing the notion that those in exile criticize from a position of comfort.
He asserted that they crossed the Florida Straits to fight for change in Cuba and called for a massive peaceful mobilization within the country.
He also mentioned the support from the U.S. government and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the current political context.
Meanwhile, in statements published on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío identified those involved as Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, Conrado Galindo Serrior, José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló, Leordán Cruz Gómez, Amijail Sánchez González, and Roberto Álvarez Ávila.
He added that Pavel Alling Peña, Michael Ortega Casanova, Ledián Padrón Guevara, and Héctor Duani Cruz Correa were killed during the encounter.
Cuban authorities maintain that the group was attempting to enter the island with terrorist intentions.
The families, however, insist they sought Cuba's freedom and demand clarity on the events and the release of the bodies.
No independent evidence has yet been released to confirm either version of the story.
Questions Surrounding Cuban Coast Guard Incident
What is the Cuban government's stance on the incident?
The Cuban government alleges that the group was attempting to enter the island with terrorist intentions.
What do the families of the victims claim?
The families contend that the victims were seeking freedom for Cuba and demand transparency regarding the incident and the release of the bodies.
Who are some of the individuals identified by Cuban authorities?
Individuals identified include Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, Conrado Galindo Serrior, José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló, among others.