On Thursday, Republican Congressman Carlos Giménez delivered two powerful messages through his official account on X, reaffirming his belief that Cuba will achieve freedom despite those whom he perceives as having fallen short of support.
“Cuba will be free despite the complicity and lack of solidarity from many so-called friends,” stated the representative of Florida's 28th District. Just a minute later, he followed up with, “Cuba will be free due to the heroic struggle of our prisoners, our martyrs, and our people who have never ceased resisting communist repression.”
These messages, featuring the flags of Cuba and the United States, were shared in a period marked by documented repression: only in April 2026, the island recorded 27 arbitrary detentions and 339 human rights abuses, according to a report from PanAm Post on that very day.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that Prisoners Defenders reported a historic high of 1,214 political prisoners in Cuba as of February, with 467 suffering from severe health issues and 47 experiencing mental disorders without proper treatment.
Giménez, the sole U.S. Congress member born in Cuba, relocated to the United States at age seven following the establishment of the communist regime in 1961. He has made the Cuban cause a focal point of his legislative efforts this year.
His comments regarding “so-called friends” serve as a direct critique of international actors or politicians who, in his view, have not demonstrated adequate solidarity with the Cuban people against the dictatorship led by Miguel Díaz-Canel.
The tone of his messages aligns with his recent declarations. On April 23, Giménez emphasized that Cuba should be an ally of the U.S., warning, “Cuba poses a security threat to the United States. President Trump has already said enough is enough.”
On April 15, referring to the strategy of applying pressure, the congressman used a culinary metaphor: “We need to keep applying maximum pressure and let it simmer for a while to see what happens.”
In March, following the regime's announcement to release 51 individuals as a “gesture” to the Vatican, Giménez called from Congress for the release of all political prisoners, using slogans like “Down with the dictatorship” and “Homeland and Life.”
During this period, the congressman warned that the Cuban regime's time is running out, writing in Fox News that the dictatorship is in a “terminal phase” if international pressure persists.
On April 18, marking the 65th anniversary of the Bay of Pigs invasion, Giménez expressed his hope to celebrate the next New Year in Havana: “I believe it’s possible, next year, New Year in Havana. We’ll see, if God wills.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Political Situation
What recent actions has Carlos Giménez taken regarding Cuba?
Carlos Giménez has been vocal about the need for increased pressure on the Cuban regime and has called for the release of all political prisoners. He has also criticized international actors for their lack of solidarity with the Cuban people.
How many political prisoners are currently in Cuba?
As of February, there were 1,214 political prisoners in Cuba, with 467 suffering from severe health issues and 47 with untreated mental disorders, according to Prisoners Defenders.
What is the significance of the Bay of Pigs anniversary to Giménez's message?
The Bay of Pigs anniversary symbolizes a moment of resistance against Cuba's communist regime, and Giménez used this occasion to express his hope for celebrating a future New Year in a free Havana.