The United States Embassy in Cuba released a video on Wednesday featuring a phone call from its Chief of Mission, Mike Hammer, to Ángel Delgado Almira, the father of the five children of political prisoner Lisandra Góngora Espinosa. The call aimed to inquire about their situation and convey a message from the Trump administration.
Góngora, who received a 14-year sentence following the July 11, 2021 protests, is one of the political prisoners with the longest sentences in Cuba. She is currently held in a prison on the Isle of Youth.
The Struggles of Separation
During the conversation, Delgado starkly outlined Lisandra's plight: "They've done everything possible to transfer her here, but it was denied. She has no chance to see the children at all."
In late March 2026, Cuban authorities relocated Góngora to Los Colonos prison on the Isle of Youth, more than 100 miles away from Güira de Melena, Artemisa, where her children reside.
Harsh Sentencing and Resistance
"They sentenced Lisandra to 14 years, and they're counting the years as 12 months because, according to them, she has bad behavior," stated her husband, who also noted he had ended his hunger strike.
Hammer conveyed a message on behalf of the United States and the Trump administration: "We are concerned about her situation and that of all political prisoners. We will continue to insist that they be released."
Institutional Retaliation
This is not the first time the regime has distanced her from her family. Back in April 2023, she was moved to the same island, preventing her from seeing her children for at least four months.
The institutional backlash against Góngora and her family is multifaceted. In February 2023, State Security threatened Ángel Delgado with imprisonment for "ideological diversionism" and the loss of custody of the children if he continued to denounce the case.
In 2026, an agent known as "Wilmer" threatened Góngora with a transfer to Pinar del Río or Guantánamo if she persisted in requesting a prison change, as reported by the Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and Press.
Authorities also denied her a transition to a minimum severity regime, and Góngora has warned that she will "stand firm" — begin a form of resistance — if the regime violates her prisoner rights.
Consistent Calls for Justice
During the call, Hammer reiterated a direct message from the Trump administration: "We are concerned about her situation, and of course, about all political prisoners. We will continue to press for their release. We cannot remain silent because it is an injustice."
Delgado replied, "Indeed, well said, a complete injustice."
The Embassy frames Góngora's case as part of its #Todos campaign, designed to spotlight Cuban families separated by unjust imprisonments.
Hammer has actively engaged with the families of political prisoners. Last week, he spoke with Alexander Díaz Rodríguez, a recently released 11J prisoner, and in January, he emphasized that the release of all political prisoners "is a must" and "not a matter for negotiation."
The Embassy emphasized that Góngora's case "illustrates the heavy burden faced by political prisoners and their families," even as Miguel Díaz-Canel's regime continues to deny the existence of political prisoners on the island.
Understanding the Impact of Political Imprisonment in Cuba
What is the significance of Lisandra Góngora's imprisonment?
Lisandra Góngora's imprisonment highlights the severe measures taken by the Cuban regime against political dissent. Her case is emblematic of the broader struggles faced by political prisoners and their families in Cuba.
How is the U.S. Embassy involved in Lisandra Góngora's case?
The U.S. Embassy in Cuba is actively advocating for Góngora and other political prisoners, highlighting their cases as part of a campaign to raise awareness about unjust imprisonments in Cuba.
What challenges do families of political prisoners face in Cuba?
Families of political prisoners in Cuba face numerous challenges, including separation from loved ones, threats from authorities, and the emotional and financial burdens of supporting imprisoned relatives.