The Cerro Maravilla incident involved the shooting of two young Puerto Rican nationalists, Los Figueroa brothers, by the Puerto Rican police in the mountainous region known as Cerro Maravilla. These nationalists were part of a movement advocating for Puerto Rico's independence from the United States. On that day, they were reportedly involved in a confrontation with police forces, leading to the tragic decision to use lethal force. Many witnesses and activists viewed the police action as an excessive response, igniting widespread protests across Puerto Rico and among Puerto Rican communities in the United States.

The aftermath of the shooting triggered an investigative response from various government entities, as calls for transparency and accountability grew. As community members demanded full investigations, the event became emblematic of a broader struggle for civil rights and self-determination. It highlighted the issues faced by Puerto Ricans, including police brutality and the quest for political autonomy. Demonstrations demanding justice for the Figueroa brothers were organized, fostering solidarity within the independence movement.

The event also received significant media attention, not only in Puerto Rico but also in the United States, further amplifying the voices of those advocating for change. The coinciding rise of activism around civil rights during this period in both Puerto Rico and the mainland U.S. forged new alliances among various social movements, making this incident an important touchstone in the narrative of Puerto Rican nationalism and advocacy.