Democratic Candidate Outlines Conditions for Military Action in Cuba

Robin Peguero, a Democratic candidate for Congress from Florida's 27th District, outlined on Saturday the three conditions under which he would back military action in Cuba.

The conditions are as follows:

• A direct attack on the United States, its citizens, or its interests.
• The emergence of a significant humanitarian crisis on the island.
• The regime unleashing brutal repression against the Cuban people.

Peguero, a former Miami homicide prosecutor and Harvard-educated attorney, shared his views during an interview with Tania Costa. He distanced himself from some within his own party while criticizing both Republican Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar and President Donald Trump for their handling of the situation in Venezuela.

"I would only support military action in Cuba under three circumstances: in response to an attack on the United States, our citizens, or our interests; if a major humanitarian crisis arises in Cuba; or due to severe repression in Cuba," stated the candidate.

Peguero prefers the term "intervention" over "military intervention," acknowledging that "whether surgical or not, it remains an intervention."

His conditional stance comes a day after the Trump administration ruled out immediate military action against Cuba. However, Trump maintained deliberate ambiguity, stating "it depends on your definition of military action" when questioned on the matter.

The candidate justified his position by pointing to Venezuela as a cautionary example: after Nicolás Maduro's capture, Delcy Rodríguez—whom he labeled a "chavista"—remained second in command, and repression persists without real democracy.

"I have no faith in this president. Look at what happened in Venezuela. We still have the number two, Delcy Rodríguez, a chavista. There's no democracy in Venezuela," Peguero remarked.

He also accused Congresswoman Salazar of suggesting that it was necessary to "work with Delcy, give her some time," a stance he categorically rejects for Cuba, and criticized Trump for becoming "best friends" with Rodríguez.

"We need maximum pressure. Not negotiating, not becoming good friends like President Trump did with Delcy. They're best friends now. I don't understand it," he asserted.

In light of this situation, Peguero was clear: "What we need is to force an economic, political, and social transition in Cuba. And also remove from there the leaders, the government, the irresponsible regime of Cuba."

The candidate also distanced himself from Democratic representatives who have visited the island praising the regime or criticizing the embargo.

"I don't agree with that. And look, we're different," he said, adding, "I'm not here to serve my party, just the people."

This stance is significant given that 79% of Cubans and Cuban Americans in South Florida support U.S. military intervention in Cuba, according to a Miami Herald poll published in April.

On the role of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Peguero took a position that breaks with the progressive wing of his party.

"We need ICE. We need people working to deport violent criminals. What we don't need are agents on the streets killing people," he stated.

Peguero aims to unseat Salazar in the 27th District, which is 74% Hispanic and includes Little Havana, Coral Gables, and parts of Kendall. This district is considered one of the most competitive seats for 2026 and a barometer of Latino support for the Trump administration.

The Democratic primary in that district is set for August 18, 2026, and the debate over potential intervention in Cuba will remain a central theme of the campaign in a community that, according to analysts, scrutinizes each stance on the island's future closely.