The Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, unleashed a barrage of public insults against U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, and several Cuban-American congress members, labeling them as "fiercely anti-Cuban," "corrupt," and "blackmailers." During his remarks at the ALBA-TCP Political Council held in Venezuela, Rodríguez declared on Saturday that "anti-Cuban politicians in the U.S. Congress and the Secretary of State, with few exceptions, were neither born in Cuba nor have they ever visited the country, yet they have been fiercely anti-Cuban, corrupt, and have profited from attacking the Cuban nation."
Rodríguez's comments were especially aimed at Marco Rubio, whom he accused of orchestrating the crackdown on newly arrived Cuban migrants to the United States. He emphasized that these individuals entered legally, contribute by working and paying taxes, and are waiting for the application of the Cuban Adjustment Act. "The corrupt, inconsequential, and blackmailing Secretary of State is, to the disgrace of Our America, the chief architect and promoter of the persecution and attempted mass deportation of Cuban residents or temporary migrants in the United States," the minister stated.
He also described the Cuban-American congress members as "hypocrites and cynics" who "do not even defend those who voted for them," questioning why they remain silent on the mass deportations of Cubans. Despite the aggressive rhetoric, Rodríguez reiterated the regime's willingness to engage in bilateral dialogue with the U.S. government on migration issues and law enforcement cooperation.
Furthermore, he emphasized the official commitment to "regular, safe, and orderly migration," while addressing crimes such as human trafficking and illegal migrant smuggling.
Double Standards Amidst Migration Crisis
The minister's words come at a time of growing tension due to the increasing number of deportation flights of Cubans from the United States. On March 27, a plane arrived in Havana with 60 returned migrants. The regime has labeled these flights as acts of "cruel cynicism." It continues to blame the embargo and external factors for the mass exodus, ignoring internal causes such as political repression, lack of freedoms, censorship, the energy crisis, and the economic collapse affecting the Cuban population.
Human rights organizations have warned of the risks faced by deported migrants returning to the island, including interrogations, surveillance, social marginalization, and reprisals from the state apparatus. The Cuban regime's concern over the mass deportation of migrants might also be tied to the economic impact of reduced remittances and the challenge of reintegrating repatriated individuals into the complex political and economic context in Cuba.
Key Questions on Cuban Deportations
Why did Bruno Rodríguez criticize Marco Rubio?
Bruno Rodríguez accused Marco Rubio of leading the crackdown on Cuban migrants in the U.S., despite their legal entry and contributions to society, and blamed him for the attempt at mass deportations.
What are the risks faced by deported Cuban migrants?
Deported Cuban migrants may face interrogation, surveillance, social marginalization, and reprisals from the Cuban state.
How does the Cuban regime view the deportation flights?
The Cuban regime views these deportation flights as acts of "cruel cynicism" and attributes the mass exodus to external factors rather than internal issues.