In the early hours of Sunday, October 13, 2024, tragedy struck the Bronx as two young men, both migrants, became the latest victims in a wave of violence that has alarmed communities and authorities alike.**

According to a report, the incident unfolded at approximately 4:51 a.m. when officers responded to a distressing 911 call at 1215 Stratford Avenue.

Upon arrival, they discovered the lifeless bodies of 27-year-old Leider Guevara-Cubas and 24-year-old Ernesto Hector Guevara, both bearing fatal stab wounds. Leider suffered a chest wound, while Ernesto was stabbed in the abdomen. Despite swift medical attention at NYC Health and Hospitals/Jacobi, both men were tragically pronounced dead.

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Ernesto, a Venezuelan migrant who had previously sought refuge at the Roosevelt Hotel just a year prior, shared an apartment with Leider in the Bronx. The two men, believed to be either family members or close friends, reportedly engaged in a dispute with their attacker prior to the stabbing. The nature of their injuries suggests a level of trust had been established, allowing the assailant close proximity.

This harrowing event has intensified the spotlight on the dangers faced by migrants, who are increasingly targeted by their peers involved in gang activities. While the perpetrator’s identity and immigration status remain unconfirmed, the incident underscores the complex challenges surrounding migrant safety.

A significant hurdle is the inability of the NYPD to collaborate with ICE, hindering efforts to ascertain immigration statuses tied to criminal activities.

As the investigation continues, with the suspects still at large, the community mourns yet another loss. The escalating violence against migrants not only threatens individual lives but also instills fear within these vulnerable communities. As one observer noted, “Migrant gang members often target other migrants, heightening fears within their communities.”

With many issues shrouded in secrecy, tracking the culprits and protecting potential victims grows increasingly challenging.