U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, extended his support and encouragement to activist Anna Bensi and members of the collective known as Fuera de la Caja Cuba. This message was delivered through the head of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, who met with these young activists to discuss their aspirations for Cuba's future.
The meeting was documented in a video shared by the official Facebook account of the U.S. Embassy in Cuba. The diplomat, identified as Mike, mentioned that he had previously informed Rubio about the meeting. "From Washington, I met with Secretary Rubio, and I told him we were going to meet, so he sends his greetings and encouragement," the official stated.
The head of mission further emphasized Washington's commitment to Cuban freedom: "The interest of the United States is for all Cubans, especially those in Cuba, to live here in peace and with freedom."
The diplomat concluded his message with direct support for the youth: "Know that you always have friends at the United States Embassy here in Cuba, here in Havana."
The Embassy’s post was accompanied by the message: "Youth will determine the country's future," along with the hashtags #FreeEl4Tico and #ConCubanosDeAPie.
The Role of Fuera de la Caja Cuba
Fuera de la Caja Cuba is a digital and artistic activism group founded in early January 2026 in Havana's Cerro neighborhood. The group consists of four young individuals, around twenty years old, who use art, theater, and social media videos to promote libertarian ideas and critique state indoctrination.
Among the identified members are Karel Daniel Hernández Bosques and Amanda Beatriz Andrés Navarro. The group is distinguished by red caps emblazoned with the phrase "Make Cuba Great Again."
Challenges Faced by Anna Bensi
Anna Bensi, whose real name is Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente, is a 21-year-old Cuban activist residing in Havana who has been vocal about the economic hardships and lack of freedoms in Cuba.
Both she and her fellow activists have faced systematic repression from the Cuban regime. State Security has threatened their families, disabled their phones via ETECSA, and hacked their WhatsApp and Telegram accounts. On April 21, Anna Bensi reported the simultaneous hacking of both platforms and the deactivation of her lines.
Since March 25, Anna Bensi and her mother have been under house arrest, facing charges that could result in two to five years of imprisonment.
On April 26, Karel Daniel released a video alleging that State Security summoned his mother and warned that if the youth continued creating critical videos, "they will be imprisoned."
U.S. Engagement with Cuban Civil Society
This meeting with the Embassy aligns with the Trump administration's active engagement policy with Cuban civil society, which has also addressed the case of 16-year-old Jonathan David Muir Burgos. He has been detained since March 16 at Canaleta prison on sabotage charges following protests in Morón, Ciego de Ávila. On April 24, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights granted him precautionary measures.
On May 5, Rubio referred to the Cuban government as a "failed state" during a White House press briefing, highlighting the enduring challenges under communist rule.
FAQs About Cuban Activism and Repression
Who is Anna Bensi and what does she advocate for?
Anna Bensi is a young Cuban activist focused on highlighting the economic struggles and lack of freedoms in Cuba. She uses her platform to advocate for change and criticize the current regime.
What is Fuera de la Caja Cuba?
Fuera de la Caja Cuba is a collective of young activists in Havana using artistic and digital mediums to promote libertarian ideas and oppose state indoctrination.
How has the U.S. shown support for Cuban activists?
The U.S. has demonstrated support through diplomatic meetings and public statements, emphasizing their commitment to the freedom and rights of Cubans.