Fear, Despair, and Death: The Tragedy of Antonio Báez in Puerto Rico

Antonio Báez's Death Highlights the Desperation of Undocumented Immigrants in Puerto Rico Toa Baja, Puerto Rico – The death of Antonio Báez, a 52-year-old Dominican national, has brought renewed attention to the plight of undocumented immigrants in Puerto Rico. Báez died on May 4th after seeking refuge on the roof of a warehouse during what he perceived as an imminent ICE raid. The incident occurred on March 28th. According to the video, Báez suffered severe injuries, including a fractured arm and broken ribs, after falling from the roof. He spent 36 days in intensive care before passing away. "He was afraid," said Báez's son, an attorney in the Dominican Republic, in a statement. "He was working hard to build a house for his family, and the fear of deportation drove him to a desperate act." His son's subsequent application for a humanitarian visa to be with his father during his final days was denied by ICE. While ICE maintains that their operation concluded hours before the incident, human rights advocates question this claim, suggesting Báez's fear was directly caused by the presence of ICE agents. The video raises questions about the impact of immigration enforcement on vulnerable populations and the human cost of such policies. Báez's story serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants and the need for humane and compassionate solutions.