Dominican YouTuber Dany Pérez, better known as Destino Tolk, has sparked an uproar on social media by threatening to expose the past communist affiliations of Cuban influencer Eliécer Ávila to U.S. immigration authorities. In a video shared on his platforms, Destino warned Ávila that he might report his alleged communist past to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Destino began his video with a pointed message: "Attention Eliécer Ávila, attention Eliécer Ávila," referring to Ávila's supposed ties to the Communist Party during his time as a student at the University of Information Sciences (UCI) in Cuba. "Today, they caught a Cuban allegedly linked to the Communist Party. Now it's about sending the evidence, and ICE took him away. You know you owe me one, Eliécer," he said with a sly grin.
The YouTuber continued, "You were part of the Communist Party. I have proof. The videos are on YouTube, showing you giving speeches. So, tomorrow I'm going to ICE. Now I'm a snitch, and I'm going to unsettle all those who were talking trash about me," stated Destino, addressing not only Ávila but all the Cubans who have criticized him.
Destino has faced accusations of receiving funding from the Cuban regime to establish a supposed cultural bridge by interviewing artists on his show. "I told you all, I have nothing, absolutely nothing, to lose because I'm not involved with that (Cuban regime). I have no ties to anyone in Cuba, but you decided to attack me, and look how things turned out. ICE is paying for these reports. Tomorrow, I'm coming for you, Eliécer. I'm coming for you!" he declared with an ominous laugh.
Ongoing Feuds Among Exiled Influencers
Although Destino's comments were delivered with sarcasm and humor, they hinted at a serious threat. The confrontation with Eliécer Ávila isn't new, as the Dominican influencer has previously criticized Ávila, a former pro-government social media responder in Cuba, for allegedly being politically hypocritical after becoming an opposition figure in the United States.
Eliécer Ávila's journey is well-known among the Cuban exile community. Educated at UCI, he once defended the revolution on social media and gained public attention confronting Ricardo Alarcón, then head of the Cuban Parliament. Eventually, Ávila led the political project Somos + within Cuba and later in exile, actively participating in protests against the regime. He has since become a prominent critic of the Cuban government.
Broader Context of Accusations and Allegiances
Destino also engages in a public spat with host Alexander Otaola, who accused him of being funded by the Cuban government. Otaola argues that Destino's relocation from France to Miami to discuss Cuban culture and entertainment is evidence of a "hired" agenda. Responding via TikTok, Destino dismissed these accusations, asserting his independence and calling Otaola "bold."
Destino firmly denied the claims, accusing Otaola of trying to discredit critics by linking them to the Cuban regime. He also boasted, “You don't earn more money than I do on social media.” This exchange highlights the intense debates within the Cuban exile community, where ideological and personal differences among prominent figures create sharp divides online.
In Miami, some Cubans support Destino for standing up to radical figures, while others back Otaola and Ávila, emphasizing their roles as regime critics.
ICE Detentions and Their Implications
Destino's comments allude to recent ICE detentions. On March 12, 2025, U.S. authorities arrested a former Cuban intelligence member for alleged immigration fraud. ICE and the FBI carried out the arrest in a residential area of Broward County, Florida. The individual had reportedly obtained legal permanent residency fraudulently by concealing ties to Cuban intelligence services. Although the identity wasn't disclosed, a video of the arrest and personal information was expected to release soon.
A month later, on April 13, Juana Orquídea Acanda Rodríguez, a 62-year-old former Cuban judge known for her "loyalty to the revolution" on state television, was deported from the United States. U.S. authorities found that Acanda lied during her visa process by hiding her active membership in the Communist Party of Cuba. She was detained at Miami airport while entering with an immigrant visa granted through family sponsorship and deported after admitting to providing false information.
From Havana, the former judge remarked that her U.S. stay was an experience and stated, "We all have the right to make mistakes."
Finally, on April 14, the arrest of Daniel Morejón García, a 57-year-old Cuban with alleged ties to the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) and the Communist Party of Cuba, was reported. ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division arrested Morejón at his Miami home for hiding his political affiliations and repressive past upon entering the U.S. Official documents confirmed his membership in the Rapid Response Brigades and as president of the Defense Council in Artemisa. He appears in a public database of Cuban repressors, accused of assaulting 11J protesters. Morejón remains in ICE custody awaiting deportation.
Understanding the ICE Detentions and Their Impact
What led to the arrest of the former Cuban intelligence member?
The former Cuban intelligence member was arrested due to allegations of immigration fraud, having concealed ties to Cuban intelligence services while obtaining legal permanent residency in the U.S.
Why was Juana Orquídea Acanda Rodríguez deported?
Juana Orquídea Acanda Rodríguez was deported because she lied about her active membership in the Communist Party of Cuba during her visa process, which violated U.S. immigration laws.
Who is Daniel Morejón García and why was he detained?
Daniel Morejón García is a Cuban man alleged to have connections with the Ministry of the Interior and the Communist Party of Cuba. He was detained for concealing his political affiliations and repressive activities when entering the U.S.