Manuel "Manny" Morales, the head of the Miami Police Department, issued a strong message this week to Cuban police officers, urging them not to become tools of the regime for suppressing the people. This message, delivered through a video shared by CubaNet News, has garnered over 147,000 views on Facebook.
"Here speaks Manny Morales, the police chief of Miami, speaking from exile. In recent weeks, the world's eyes have turned to our island," Morales began, referencing the protests shaking Cuba since early March due to the energy crisis and mounting pressure from the U.S. administration.
Morales appealed to the officers' conscience, reminding them of their true mission.
"A police officer's duty is to protect the public, safeguard individuals from harm, whether from another person or even the government, and preserve the lives of all," he emphasized.
He also noted that the families of these officers endure the same hardships as the rest of the populace.
"We are one people. The lack of electricity, the food shortages, everyone is suffering," he stressed.
The Cuban-American police chief urged the officers to align with the people.
"This is the time to stand united with the Cuban people and show the world that the time is now," he declared, warning of the historical consequences of their actions.
"We will not be pawns of this regime to oppress our people," he cautioned, urging them to wake up before it's too late, as "the eyes of the world will judge you."
The video concluded with a call to action: "You still have time, I remind you, do what is right, what you know in your heart you must do, which is to protect the people of our island and say no to the Cuban regime."
A History of Direct Communication
This message is part of a consistent pattern of direct communication that Morales has maintained with the Cuban police. Back in January 2026, he had already warned them to act before it was too late.
"The end is near, the government will fall. The people of Cuba need you," he stated then.
On March 4, just days before this new video, Morales expressed his readiness to lead a police reform in Cuba should a transition occur.
"My greatest desire is to lead the profound reform of the Cuban police," he asserted, adding that he possesses the knowledge and willingness necessary to transform the current arm of authoritarianism into a democratic police institution serving the people, not an ideology.
Experience in Transitional Reforms
Morales has firsthand experience in such transitions: he participated in Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989, where he trained the new Panamanian Public Force after the overthrow of dictator Manuel Noriega. He cites this as a precedent supporting his proposal for Cuba.
The police chief, who announced his retirement for October 2026 after over three decades of service, has also been targeted with threats from the YouTube channel "Guerrero Cubano," allegedly linked to Cuban State Security, a case under FBI investigation since October 2025.
In response, Morales stood firm: "I am not afraid, but it is a grave crime for a foreign government to threaten a U.S. citizen in public service."
Frequently Asked Questions about Manny Morales' Message to Cuban Police
What was the main message of Manny Morales to the Cuban police?
Manny Morales urged the Cuban police not to become instruments of the regime in repressing the people and reminded them of their duty to protect the public and uphold human rights.
How has Morales communicated with the Cuban police in the past?
Morales has a history of direct communication with the Cuban police, having previously warned them about the regime's impending fall and stressing the importance of supporting the Cuban people.
What experience does Morales have in police reform?
Morales has experience from Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989, where he was involved in training the new Panamanian Public Force after the overthrow of Manuel Noriega.