A video circulating on social media this Friday night reveals a significant security operation in El Diezmero, a neighborhood in San Miguel del Padrón, located in eastern Havana. The operation comes amid reports of public demonstrations in various areas of the Cuban capital.
Shared by user Elio Rafael Sosa, the footage shows at least two patrol cars, a truck, and a van, along with numerous uniformed officers deployed in response to residents protesting by yelling and obstructing the street with branches and debris. These vehicles, lined up, prominently display "Police" labels.
Citizen journalist Yainier Hidalgo Bajuelo confirmed the event on Facebook, stating, "Police deployment reported in El Diezmero, San Miguel del Padrón. Amid reports of protests across different parts of Havana, social media images reveal a large police presence in El Diezmero."
The video's title succinctly captures the sentiment of those sharing it: "Military deployment in El Diezmero; the Americans didn't come—it’s against a defenseless people."
This operation takes place on the eve of July 26, a significant date on the regime's calendar. Instead of celebrations, Havana is boiling over: on Friday, women blocked Calzada de 10 de Octubre due to water shortages and blackouts, while in Lawton, people expressed their frustration with pots and extinguishers during a nationwide cacerolazo scheduled for 9:00 p.m.
Historical Context of Unrest in San Miguel del Padrón
San Miguel del Padrón is among the Havana municipalities with a high record of unrest in 2026: in May, residents protested outside the municipal government demanding "Power and food!"; in June, tires were set on fire; and on July 22, a bonfire was reported in La Cumbre.
The catalyst for this discontent is the persistent power outages that in some areas exceed 20 to 24 hours daily, also hindering the supply of drinking water.
Recurring Patterns of Militarized Response
The deployment in El Diezmero reflects a pattern the regime has repeated throughout July: on July 18, black berets from the MININT’s National Special Brigade were sent to El Vedado, and on July 12, police and paramilitary forces were concentrated in Old Havana during protests marking the anniversary of 11J.
Cubalex recorded 319 repressive events and 253 protests in June 2026 alone, while the Cuban Conflict Observatory reported 107 protests that month, nearly double the previous record.
Laritza Diversent, attorney and director of Cubalex, candidly assessed the regime's strategy: "The militarization is not aimed at an external enemy but at the Cuban population itself."
Understanding the Current Crisis in Cuba
Why are there protests in El Diezmero?
Residents in El Diezmero are protesting due to severe water shortages and prolonged blackouts, which have disrupted daily life and access to basic necessities.
What is the government's response to the demonstrations?
The Cuban government has responded with a heavy police and military presence, deploying forces to suppress the protests and maintain order.
How common are protests in Cuba?
In recent months, protests have become more frequent in Cuba, with hundreds of demonstrations recorded, reflecting growing public dissatisfaction with the government.