Spanish YouTubers Questioned by Cuban State Security: "We've Never Experienced Anything Like This"

Spanish content creators Juan Dávila and Galder Varas, known for their podcast Black Mango, have reported being questioned by Cuban State Security after releasing a video that starkly depicted the island's ongoing crisis. Their content, shared widely on social media and further disseminated by Cuban dissident Eliécer Ávila, quickly gained traction, prompting a swift reaction from Cuban authorities.

In one of their videos recorded during their visit, the YouTubers candidly stated, "If you thought everything was fine, it's not. The reality is that the situation here is dire and worsening by the day." After spending only a short time in Cuba, they drastically altered their view of the country. "What we heard in just one household was far worse than what we initially saw. Living like a Cuban for even a day changes your perspective for the rest of your stay," they revealed.

Their video rapidly went viral, making rounds on Cuban media and social platforms, which led to immediate action by the regime's oppressive machinery. On Instagram, Dávila and Varas shared that State Security agents approached them, interrogated them, demanded access to their phones, and prohibited further filming. "The Cuban government sent officers to question us. By the last day, we couldn't film anything because we were under constant surveillance," they explained. "We've traveled to many countries, but this was unprecedented."

Now safely back in Madrid, the YouTubers have announced a special episode of their podcast to be released on Sunday, detailing their surreal and distressing experience in Cuba. "With everything that was happening, there was a lot of concern, some more than others," they remarked solemnly.

This incident underscores the persistent atmosphere of repression and surveillance faced not only by Cubans but also by foreign visitors who dare to expose or discuss the harsh realities of the country openly. The situation is reminiscent of the case involving Eva Cavero and Andrés Izarnótegui, a Peruvian couple deported from Cuba in September 2024 after filming for their YouTube channel La Blue Kombi. Officials detained them at their hotel early in the morning, interrogated them for 12 hours, searched their phones, accused them of "damaging the country's image," and expelled them without allowing contact with their embassy or a lawyer.

Both instances illustrate a pattern of increasing surveillance, intimidation, and censorship targeting foreign visitors documenting Cuba's social conditions. The regime enforces strict control over content depicting the island's negative aspects, even when created by foreign visitors with tourist or documentary intentions.

In contrast, Mexican influencer Luisito Comunica, who boasts over 44 million YouTube subscribers, has faced no obstacles in filming and sharing content that depicts a more favorable and tourist-friendly image of Cuba. From culinary tours to visits to iconic sites like the Hotel Nacional, his videos have been criticized for aligning closely with the official narrative.

Cuban journalist José Raúl Gallego has suggested that Luisito's access was facilitated by the regime. "With each new video, Luisito shows why State Security let him enter Cuba," he commented, pointing out propagandistic elements like "resistance cooking" and state tobacco promotion. Even artists such as rapper El B have criticized Luisito Comunica for "romanticizing misery" and playing into Castro's propaganda. "They took you to the only freshly painted store," he wrote in verses shared on social media.