Amid the controversial immigration policies of President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has asserted that mass migration has historically been utilized as a geopolitical weapon against the United States. He highlighted the 1980 Mariel Boatlift as a prime example of this strategy.
During an appearance on the podcast Triggered with Don Jr., hosted by Donald Trump Jr., Rubio recalled how Fidel Castro deliberately allowed approximately 125,000 Cubans, including criminals and psychiatric patients, to leave Cuba as a means to pressure Washington. "This is not unprecedented. In 1980, Castro opened his mental institutions, opened his prisons, and essentially flooded the United States with criminals from Cuba. We paid a very high price for it," Rubio, who leads U.S. diplomacy, stated.
Of Cuban descent, Rubio also criticized the immigration policies of previous administrations, which he claimed were aimed at keeping regimes like those in Cuba, Nicaragua, or Venezuela "appeased" at the expense of ignoring their hostility towards the U.S. "Now we want to be friends with our allies, with our true partners," he emphasized.
He further explained that the current foreign policy aims to build closer ties with allied governments that share democratic values with the U.S., while clearly identifying countries whose regimes are declared adversaries, including Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.
Regarding the situation at the southern border, Rubio stated that it is "more secure than ever in his lifetime," thanks to measures implemented by President Trump. He assured that "no one is crossing" and that many people attempting to reach the U.S. have been stranded in countries like Mexico due to stricter immigration policies.
Rubio also praised Mexico for its cooperation in deploying a record number of National Guard troops to curb migration flows toward the U.S. border. He addressed a common misconception about the right to migrate, stating, "Something has taken root in the American mindset that coming to the U.S. is a universal right, that everyone has the right to enter, legally or illegally. That is simply not true. It never has been."
Regarding Venezuela, Rubio was adamant in stating that the regime of Nicolás Maduro "is not a legitimate government," but rather a "narco-terrorist organization with ties to Iran and drug trafficking." He claimed that if free elections were held in the South American nation, Maduro would lose—as supposedly happened in the 2024 elections—and asserted that the leader maintains power by "killing and imprisoning those who disagree with him."
Rubio's statements come amid heightened tensions over immigration and the Trump administration's renewed firm stance on national security and foreign relations.
Understanding the Impact of Mass Migration on U.S. Policy
How has mass migration been used as a political weapon?
Mass migration has been used strategically by certain regimes to exert pressure on other nations. The Mariel Boatlift of 1980 is an example, where Fidel Castro allowed a large number of Cubans, including undesirables, to migrate to the U.S. as a way to challenge American policies.
What is Marco Rubio's stance on current immigration policies?
Marco Rubio supports the Trump administration's strict immigration measures, which he claims have made the U.S. southern border more secure than ever. He also believes in forming stronger alliances with countries that share democratic values with the U.S.
What is the current U.S. policy towards regimes like Venezuela and Cuba?
The U.S. has taken a firm stance against regimes it considers adversaries, such as those in Venezuela and Cuba. The current policy underlines the importance of distinguishing between allies and regimes that pose a threat to U.S. values and interests.