The Cuban government has initiated a wave of arrests targeting residents of the Las Minas neighborhood in Guanabacoa, Havana, following their protests against the country's dire economic conditions, including hunger and power outages.
Cuban content creator Armando Labrador, who founded the Cuba Primero Movement and presides over Cántalo TV, has described these actions as a relentless crackdown. Labrador asserts that the authorities are specifically targeting demonstrators, calling it a "genuine hunt" orchestrated by the Castro regime.
In a video circulating on social media, a woman's voice can be heard questioning the police: "They came in a car to take us away, but why? We haven't done anything wrong; that's what I don't understand. I have to go to the police station."
This scene encapsulates the repressive tactics that the regime uses against those who dare to vocalize their discontent.
Repression's Historical Footprint in Guanabacoa
Guanabacoa is no stranger to these harsh measures. During a previous protest in the area, eyewitnesses reported that "the police detained everyone they could," with at least six individuals taken into custody, including a 20-year-old.
Three of those arrested were released after posting a bail of 25,000 pesos, while others remained in state custody.
Persistent Discontent and Historical Resistance
The unrest in Guanabacoa is part of a longer history. Since December 2025, slogans critical of Díaz-Canel have been spotted on the walls of local homes, signaling that a historically active community — one that also participated in the July 11, 2021 protests — is increasingly unafraid to voice its frustration.
The recent detentions in Las Minas occur amid one of the most severe crises Cuba has faced in decades. Since January 3, 2026, U.S. oil sanctions on Venezuela have cut off Cuba's primary oil supply, causing a collapse of the national electrical grid.
Nationwide Protests Escalate
Against this backdrop, protests have surged across the island. On March 14, demonstrators vandalized the Communist Party headquarters in Morón.
On March 20, residents of Diez de Octubre erected barricades and lit fires. By March 22, the Vedado district resonated with the sound of banging pots and pans during the second nationwide blackout in a week.
"Repression is escalating as the public discontent grows amidst an ever-deepening crisis," Labrador warned.
Understanding the Crisis and Protests in Guanabacoa
What triggered the recent arrests in Guanabacoa?
The recent arrests in Guanabacoa were triggered by protests against the severe economic conditions, including hunger and power outages, faced by residents.
Who is Armando Labrador, and what is his role in this context?
Armando Labrador is a Cuban content creator, founder of the Cuba Primero Movement, and president of Cántalo TV. He has been vocal about the government's crackdown on protesters, describing it as a "genuine hunt" by the regime.
How have recent U.S. oil sanctions affected Cuba?
The U.S. oil sanctions on Venezuela have severely impacted Cuba by cutting off its main crude oil supply, leading to a nationwide collapse of the electrical system.