Phil Ehr, a Democratic contender for Congress representing Florida's 28th District, recently took to social media to demand that the U.S. government formally indict and prosecute Miguel Díaz-Canel, the Cuban president. This bold statement highlights the increasingly assertive nature of his campaign as it aligns with the Cuban exile community's sentiments in South Florida.
"Indict Miguel Díaz-Canel. Arrest him. Bring him to trial. Let him pay for his actions," declared Ehr, a retired U.S. Navy commander with 26 years of service under his belt.
His statement was accompanied by a post from Polymarket, a platform predicting a 66% likelihood that Washington would file federal charges against Díaz-Canel by the end of 2026.
A Call for Justice
The immediate impetus for Ehr's demand was twofold: the projection by the betting platform and the recent charges by the U.S. Department of Justice against Raúl Castro for the 1996 downing of two Brothers to the Rescue planes, an incident that claimed the lives of four individuals, three of whom were American citizens.
Ehr acknowledged the delayed nature of the charges against the former Cuban dictator, yet emphasized their significance. "The indictment of Raúl Castro, though overdue, underscores a vital point: the leaders of the Cuban dictatorship are not exempt from justice," he stated.
Beyond Courtrooms
However, Ehr cautioned that judicial accountability alone is insufficient to bring about true transformation in Cuba.
"Let's not be fooled: none of this will free Cuba. If Washington engages in a so-called 'transition' while the Communist Party, the FAR, and GAESA retain control, nothing will change. We've seen this scenario play out in Venezuela," he remarked, referencing the aftermath of Nicolás Maduro's capture by U.S. forces in January 2026.
The candidate further invoked historical memory, emphasizing, "Cubans haven't forgotten the Bay of Pigs and the promises Washington abandoned."
Concrete Steps for Freedom
For Ehr, a genuine U.S. commitment to Cuba involves specific conditions: civilian protection, humanitarian aid that the regime cannot commandeer, the release of political prisoners, dismantling the repressive apparatus, and free elections. "Without these, there is no freedom," he concluded.
These declarations are part of an evident electoral strategy. Florida's 28th District, encompassing southwestern Miami-Dade and the Florida Keys, boasts one of the largest Cuban-American electorates in the nation. Ehr is keen to overturn his November 2024 defeat to Republican Cuban-American Carlos Giménez, who secured victory with 64.5% of the vote compared to Ehr's 35.6%.
Since then, Ehr has progressively adopted a tougher stance on Cuba, aligning with the Trump administration's positions and those of exile Republican lawmakers.
In March, he organized a protest at Miami Airport against a supply convoy to the island; in April, he opposed any negotiation with the regime; and in August, he unveiled a six-point plan for Cuba's liberation, which includes the possibility of Congress-authorized military action.
The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Díaz-Canel on June 4, 2026, placing him on the blocked persons list alongside his wife, Lis Cuesta Peraza, and Alejandro Castro Espín. However, no formal criminal charges have been filed against him to date.
Key Questions on U.S. Policy and Cuba
What actions has Phil Ehr proposed for Cuba's liberation?
Phil Ehr's plan includes civilian protection, humanitarian aid free from regime control, the release of political prisoners, dismantling the repressive machinery, and ensuring free elections. He also considers Congress-authorized military action.
Why does Phil Ehr believe justice alone won't transform Cuba?
Ehr argues that without dismantling the Communist Party's control and ensuring comprehensive reforms, judicial actions won't lead to real change, as evidenced by similar situations in countries like Venezuela.