The Cuban government criticized former President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday, accusing it of using "force and fear" to enforce immigration policies in the United States. Meanwhile, the regime deflects any self-criticism regarding its own systematic repression within the island.
On the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla denounced the deployment of over 4,700 National Guard troops and Marines in cities like Los Angeles. This action was part of a federal operation to suppress protests against ICE-ordered immigration raids.
"Deploying 4,700 Marines and National Guard troops in #LosAngeles is the only way for the U.S. government to continue imposing an unpopular, xenophobic, and racist anti-immigrant policy through force and fear," Rodríguez wrote. He further criticized U.S. immigration policy, claiming it "ignores the nation's historical and socio-economic foundation."
Rodríguez highlighted protests in cities such as San Francisco, Dallas, and New York as evidence of the "failure" of Trump's immigration strategy, which he argued is supported by "anti-Cuban politicians who profit by betraying their constituents."
The foreign minister's statements sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many accusing him of hypocrisy for condemning abuses in the U.S. while remaining silent about internal repression in Cuba. This is particularly notable given the historic protests on July 11, 2021.
In recent years, Cuba has experienced numerous incidents of citizen repression, including arbitrary arrests, censorship of journalists and activists, and mass detentions of peaceful protesters. International organizations have documented the systematic use of force to prevent any form of dissent.
Cuba's Double Standards and Social Unrest
This is not the first occasion where the Cuban government has attempted to capitalize on social unrest abroad. In April, regime officials praised protests in the United States against Trump, portraying them as examples of popular resistance. However, they failed to mention that in Cuba, any protest attempts result in beatings, arrests, and convictions.
"They can protest and choose their leaders there. Here, we have neither elections nor protests, only repression," a user reminded on social media.
President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of approximately 2,000 National Guard members in California, without the consent of Governor Gavin Newsom, following intense protests in Los Angeles against immigration raids.
Police declared the gathering illegal, leading to clashes with protesters, particularly in the city center and the suburb of Paramount. Images of violence and repression circulated widely on social media, provoking reactions both domestically and internationally.
Understanding U.S.-Cuba Relations Amidst Political Criticism
What accusations did the Cuban government make against Trump's immigration policies?
The Cuban government accused Trump's administration of using "force and fear" to impose immigration policies, describing them as xenophobic and racist.
How did the Cuban Foreign Minister criticize U.S. immigration policy?
Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla criticized the U.S. immigration policy for ignoring the nation's historical and socio-economic foundation and highlighted its failure through protests in major U.S. cities.
How has Cuba handled internal dissent and protests?
Cuba has dealt with dissent by employing systematic repression, including arbitrary arrests, censorship, and mass detentions of peaceful protesters, as documented by international organizations.