The Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba (FHRC) has updated its "Cuban Enforcers" project, adding new individuals to its list of those tied to severe human rights abuses on the island. Notably, some of these individuals have already made their way to the United States or are in the process of doing so. Since last August, the list has grown from 115 to 135 enforcers who have entered U.S. territory through various means.
According to project coordinator Rolando Cartaya, since its inception in 2017 through February 2025, the initiative has identified, investigated, and exposed 1,130 enforcers. Out of these, 135 have managed to enter the United States or are in transition to doing so.
Security Concerns and Immigration Fraud Alerts
The FHRC has raised alarms about the risk posed by the presence of these individuals in the U.S., highlighting their links to the repressive and military apparatus of the Cuban dictatorship. "This update is crucial, as those mentioned have been involved in international crimes and others recognized by the Rome Statute as crimes against humanity," the foundation stated in a press release.
Additionally, it warned that many of these enforcers have entered the country under false declarations to immigration authorities, which not only constitutes a federal crime but also threatens the integrity of the justice system and the protection of fundamental rights.
Cartaya, in statements to America Tevé, emphasized that for these enforcers to have entered the U.S., they must have concealed their repressive backgrounds in Cuba during immigration proceedings. He also questioned the ease with which they've been able to leave the island recently, despite their associations with repressive entities like the Ministry of the Interior, the Communist Party, or the regime's prosecution service.
Accessing the List and Reporting Mechanisms
The FHRC has made the complete list of enforcers available to the public on its digital platform, where the profiles of the accused, including the most recent ones identified between October 2024 and January 2025, can be accessed. "Through this effort, the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba reaffirms its commitment to defending human rights and justice, vowing to tirelessly work to ensure these crimes do not go unpunished," the organization added.
Furthermore, the foundation urged those with information about other enforcers to report them via its interactive database, providing details about the accused and the incidents in which they were involved. Cartaya reminded that the platform allows any citizen to identify these human rights violators by filtering the records by location and accessing detailed profiles of each enforcer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Enforcers in the U.S.
How many Cuban enforcers have entered the United States?
As of February 2025, 135 Cuban enforcers have entered the United States or are in the process of doing so, according to the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba.
Why is the presence of these enforcers in the U.S. concerning?
The FHRC has highlighted the risk posed by these individuals due to their ties to the repressive and military bodies of the Cuban regime. Their involvement in international crimes poses a threat to the U.S. justice system and the protection of fundamental rights.