The press chief for Miguel Díaz-Canel and the host of the pro-government show "Con Filo" have sparked outrage by sharing a meme on social media that makes light of a deadly armed confrontation. The incident, which took place on February 25, 2026, in Cuban territorial waters, resulted in a preliminary death toll of four people.
The controversial meme featured the phrase: "When the border guards signal you to stop, and you decide to shoot back," accompanied by a skull image. Below, it mockingly added, "I shouldn't have done that haha," which has been criticized for its insensitivity towards the civilian casualties involved in the incident.
Initially shared by the account "La Ciberclaria," the meme was reposted by Michel Torres Corona, a staunch defender and mouthpiece of the Cuban government's official narrative. Torres is the main host and writer of the "Con Filo" program, which airs on Cuban national television.
According to an informational note purportedly from the MININT and circulated by the pro-government profile "Minint Hoy," the clash occurred on Wednesday morning. Cuban authorities detected a fast boat registered in Florida with the number FL7726SH navigating in Cuban waters.
The account states that the vessel was approximately one nautical mile northeast of El Pino canal in Cayo Falcones, Corralillo municipality, Villa Clara province. The MININT reported that a surface unit from the Border Patrol Troops, consisting of five members, approached the boat for identification, at which point the "offending" vessel allegedly opened fire on the Cuban guards.
An American official told The New York Times that the boat was civilian and part of a group of vessels attempting to pick up relatives in Cuba, and it was not affiliated with the U.S. Navy or Coast Guard.
The content shared by individuals linked to the Cuban regime's communication apparatus has been met with disapproval for its flippant tone. The meme's use of a skull and the phrase "I shouldn't have done that haha" to humorously cap off the incident, despite the preliminary casualty report from the MININT, has been particularly criticized.
Key Details Surrounding the February 2026 Boat Incident
What happened during the February 2026 boat incident in Cuban waters?
The incident involved a confrontation between Cuban border guards and a fast boat registered in Florida, resulting in a reported four deaths. The boat was allegedly transporting civilians trying to pick up relatives in Cuba.
Who shared the controversial meme related to the incident?
The meme was shared by the press chief for Miguel Díaz-Canel and Michel Torres Corona, the host of the "Con Filo" show, both of whom are associated with the Cuban government's communication channels.
What was the reaction to the meme shared by Cuban government-affiliated figures?
The meme has been widely criticized for its insensitive and mocking tone regarding an incident involving civilian casualties. It has faced backlash for trivializing the deaths with humor.