The United States is set to strengthen its stance against Cuban citizens involved in orchestrated protests and hostile demonstrations against American diplomats in Havana. Reports from insiders within the administration, who spoke to Martí News under anonymity, reveal that the State Department aims to block entry into the U.S. for those linked to actions targeting Chargé d'Affaires, Mike Hammer, as well as adversarial activities outside the U.S. Embassy.
These sources indicate that the proposed measures include a permanent ban on entering the United States, the annulment of current visas—if any exist—and the termination of ongoing immigration processes. Additionally, authorities are reportedly using visual documentation to verify participants in such demonstrations.
"We will not tolerate any harassment of our diplomats, nor will we allow those involved in these activities to enter the U.S. without consequence," the officials stated.
Documenting Aggression for Future Action
The State Department is not only identifying those who aggressively engage with U.S. officials during Hammer's provincial visits but also those participating in hostile acts at the embassy located on Havana's malecón. Evidence is being gathered to support future immigration decisions.
While no official announcement has been made detailing these actions, the decision aligns with the U.S.'s policy to counter harassment against its diplomatic staff. For years, the area in front of the American Embassy has been utilized by the Cuban regime for political gatherings and repudiation acts, a practice Washington deems incompatible with Cuba's international obligations to protect accredited personnel.
Political Consequences and Accountability
The Cuban Repressors Project, spearheaded by the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba (FDHC), recently added political leaders from Camagüey involved in recent demonstrations against Hammer to their database. This documentation seeks to establish accountability and facilitate future actions.
The escalation follows a series of diplomatic tensions. Last week, Republican Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart warned that any individual or regime threatening American officials, whether in Cuba, Venezuela, or other nations, would face repercussions. "Anyone threatening U.S. officials in Venezuela, Cuba, or elsewhere will face consequences. The United States will not appease nor allow impunity for those endangering American lives," he wrote on X.
Responses to Harassment and Visa Revocations
His statements came after Mike Hammer was targeted by repudiation acts organized by regime-affiliated groups during his visits to various provinces on the island. In response, Washington demanded that the Cuban regime immediately halt such aggressions.
The Western Hemisphere Affairs Office emphasized that "the illegitimate Cuban regime must immediately cease its repressive acts of sending individuals to interfere with the diplomatic work of Chargé d'Affaires Hammer and embassy team members." The institution also assured that American diplomats would continue to engage with the Cuban people "despite the regime's failed intimidation tactics."
This crackdown builds on a stricter policy implemented since last October when the U.S. began revoking visas for Cubans associated with the Communist Party or involved in anti-American demonstrations promoted by the regime.
Journalist Mario J. Pentón reported that the embassy had revoked a Cuban citizen's visa after receiving "new information" rendering them "ineligible" for entry. A State Department official, cited by Pentón, confirmed that "participating in regime-organized demonstrations outside the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, sharing anti-American propaganda on social media, and expressing disdain for democratic values" are grounds for immediate visa revocation.
"Having a visa to enter the United States is not a right; it's a privilege. If you wish to come to the U.S., you must be respectful of our country," the official added.
These decisions are supported by Section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which allows for the revocation of an issued visa if new evidence questions the holder's eligibility, ranging from fraud suspicions to public or national security threats.
In recent months, the Havana Embassy has enforced these provisions more rigorously, particularly for applicants with employment or ideological ties to the Cuban state apparatus. In May, Hammer announced the stricter application of rules denying visas to individuals with recent connections to the PCC or state institutions.
"We want to prevent the oppressors from strolling the streets of South Beach, sipping mojitos. That cannot be, it's unjust," he asserted at a Miami press conference.
Consequently, numerous visa denials have been recorded for Cubans who, without being Communist Party members, worked in state entities or regime-controlled businesses.
U.S. Sanctions and Immigration Policies on Cuba
What actions are being taken by the U.S. against Cuban citizens involved in protests?
The United States is imposing measures such as permanent entry bans, visa cancellations, and the termination of immigration processes for those involved in hostile acts against American diplomats in Cuba.
How is the U.S. documenting participation in anti-American protests in Cuba?
U.S. authorities are visually documenting individuals partaking in such demonstrations to verify their involvement and support future immigration decisions.
What are the implications for Cuban citizens with revoked U.S. visas?
Cubans who have had their U.S. visas revoked due to participation in anti-American activities face a permanent ban from entering the United States as a consequence.