Cuban influencer Ultrack (Jorge Ramón Batista) has expressed his anger over the arrival in Miami of former Cuban government official Manuel Menéndez Castellanos. Menéndez Castellanos entered the United States through family reunification, a move that has caused significant unrest among the Cuban community in South Florida.
"Let me see if I get this straight. Many Cubans have lost their lives at sea, many have died crossing borders, and many have struggled immensely to escape communism. A lot of Cubans are still here and don’t even have legal papers, but they keep pushing forward," Ultrack stated in a video posted on his social media channels.
"Then this bastard shows up at the airport, by plane, who supported communism, who was part of it... This guy, who lived a good life in Cuba because he was part of the regime, enters the airport as if he owns the place. Can someone explain this to me?" added the influencer from Holguín.
Community Outrage Over Entry
Ultrack also referenced thousands of Cubans under I-220A and I-220B orders who have been working hard for years toward their integration and still lack legal status. Since Menéndez Castellanos's arrival on August 15 at the Miami International Airport, where he attempted to go unnoticed wearing a cap, face mask, sunglasses, and being transported in a wheelchair, the Cuban community in South Florida has been increasingly agitated.
Influencers, journalists, attorneys, and even congress members have pointed out the stark contrast between Menéndez Castellanos' entry and the situation of thousands of Cuban citizens in the U.S. who are in legal limbo and face the threat of deportation.
Attorney Wilfredo Allen suggested in statements to America Tevé that a federal investigation requested by Cuban-American legislators in South Florida would be the best way to understand how Menéndez Castellanos was able to enter the country. "I would like, first of all, for the congress members to investigate—because it has to be at the federal level—for the senators to find out what happened here. What happened in that interview?" the lawyer questioned.
Allen added that even if Menéndez Castellanos had been relieved of his position 20 years ago, it does not negate the harm he caused before losing his post, nor the 40 years of damage he did in Cienfuegos, nor the overall harm he and others like him inflicted on Cuba.
Immigration lawyer Santiago Alpízar, vice president of Cubademanda and Cubapresión ID, organizations that report human rights violations in Cuba, supported the call for a federal investigation. "What excuse can President Biden and Vice President Harris give while keeping Cuban families divided and in legal limbo, while granting visas to executioners and thugs of the Castro regime?" questioned Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart.
María Elvira Salazar also called for the revocation of the status that allowed the former official to land in Miami.
Meanwhile, the Patmos Institute, based in Washington, criticized the alarming increase in the entry of "responsible parties of the communist system in Cuba" into the United States, contrasting this with many cases of victims on the island who lack access to a refugee program, which has been stalled for years.
After being replaced as the top communist official in Cienfuegos in 2003 and later becoming the head of Fidel Castro's support team, a position whose end date is unknown, Menéndez Castellanos appeared in 2012 discussing renewable energy in Cuba on a Mesa Redonda program, holding the title of Director of Renewable Energy for the Ministry of Basic Industry (MINBAS).
Questions Surrounding the Entry of Manuel Menéndez Castellanos
Given the controversy surrounding the arrival of Manuel Menéndez Castellanos in Miami, several key questions have emerged. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to provide clarity on the situation.
Who is Manuel Menéndez Castellanos?
Manuel Menéndez Castellanos is a former Cuban government official who recently entered the United States through family reunification. He has held various positions within the Cuban communist regime.
Why is his entry into the U.S. controversial?
His entry is controversial because it contrasts sharply with the struggles of many Cuban migrants who have faced significant hardships to escape communism and are still in legal limbo in the U.S. Menéndez Castellanos, who supported the regime, was able to enter the country easily.
What actions are being called for in response to his entry?
Influencers, attorneys, and congress members are calling for a federal investigation into how Menéndez Castellanos was allowed to enter the U.S. Some are also demanding the revocation of his entry status.