Alejandro Sánchez, Secretary of the Presidency of Uruguay, addressed the tragic killing of Cuban delivery worker José Eduardo Cuéllar Arteaga in Carrasco Norte last Friday. He expressed his sorrow over the loss of life, extending condolences to the victim's family and acknowledging the tragedy faced by a fellow worker.
During an interview with Telenoche, Sánchez emphasized the urgency for the government to intensify efforts to prevent such incidents from recurring in Uruguay, as reported by Infobae. Despite the implementation of the National Public Security Plan and a noted reduction in crime over the previous year, Sánchez admitted that these measures are insufficient.
"We are not satisfied; we must continue our efforts," he insisted.
The Incident and Immediate Aftermath
Cuéllar Arteaga, a 31-year-old from Manicaragua, Cuba, affectionately known as "Pirolito," was fatally shot in the chest at 7:15 PM on Friday at the intersection of Capri and Máximo Tajes streets while making a delivery for the PedidosYa platform. Two assailants on foot confronted him, demanding his motorcycle at gunpoint. Cuéllar resisted, leading to a struggle during which he was shot. The attackers fled with only his cellphone, as the entire incident was captured by the Ministry of the Interior's security cameras.
On Sunday, a 16-year-old boy, accompanied by his mother, turned himself in at the police station in Cruz de Carrasco, confessing to the shooting, according to Teledoce. However, he was released the same day due to the expiration of the legal detention period without formal charges being filed, leaving him under investigation but free.
Community's Response and Growing Concerns
As police continue to verify the young suspect's involvement through camera footage and other evidence, the murder of Cuéllar Arteaga marks the third attack on delivery workers in Montevideo within ten days, sparking widespread protests. On Saturday, numerous delivery workers marched through the capital's center, demanding safer working conditions. Juan Pintos, a spokesperson for the demonstration, posed a direct question to the authorities: "How many more of our workers must die before the security issue is addressed openly?"
The Cuban community in Uruguay also mourned the loss. The Civil Association Manos Cubanas issued a statement highlighting the vulnerability faced by their workers who strive daily to earn a living with dignity.
Migrant Workers and the Escalating Risks
Cuéllar Arteaga was among over 22,000 Cubans who migrated to Uruguay by 2025, a record-breaking influx making them the fastest-growing community in the country. Many of these migrants work as delivery personnel for various platforms, increasingly endangered by rising crime. Carrasco Norte has become a particularly hazardous area for these workers, with incidents of direct robberies and ambushes through fake orders escalating since October 2025.
President Yamandú Orsi had previously commented on the murder of another Cuban delivery worker, Juan Carlos Mendoza, in downtown Montevideo, calling the situation "horrific." He remarked, "It's unbelievable when you hear about such events happening to us."
A poignant social media post by a compatriot of the victim captured the collective grief of the community: "His life was taken while he performed honest work, like so many young Cubans striving for a better future far from home."
Understanding the Security Challenges in Uruguay
What measures is the Uruguayan government taking to address the rise in violence?
The Uruguayan government is committed to increasing efforts under the National Public Security Plan to prevent further incidents and enhance overall safety.
How has the Cuban community in Uruguay reacted to these incidents?
The Cuban community has expressed deep sorrow and concern, highlighting the risks faced by their workers and calling for better protection and safety measures.
What is the significance of Carrasco Norte in these crimes?
Carrasco Norte has become a dangerous area for delivery workers, with a rise in muggings and fake delivery requests leading to ambushes.