CubaHeadlines

Mike Hammer Delivers Marco Rubio's Message to Cubans: "Freedom is Near"

Thursday, July 3, 2025 by Ernesto Alvarez

At a heartfelt Independence Day reception held this Wednesday at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, the head of the diplomatic mission, Mike Hammer, delivered a poignant and politically charged message of hope: "Freedom is near," he declared, echoing the words of U.S. Secretary of State, Cuban-American Marco Rubio.

During his address, Hammer recounted a meeting with Rubio in Washington last May at the Secretary's Office in the White House. "When I met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he requested that every time I encounter a Cuban, I convey the message that the United States stands with them," Hammer told an audience of both Cuban and foreign guests.

"I want you to know that we support you. That your cause is always at the forefront. We speak of you at every opportunity we get. And we pray daily for God to bless you all and for Cuba to soon be free, sovereign, independent, and for the destiny of Cuba to be in the hands of its people," Hammer read, citing the influential former Republican senator.

The powerful message was attentively received by those present, set against a backdrop of growing international pressure on the Cuban government amid an economic and social crisis that continues to drive thousands of Cubans to flee the country.

Marco Rubio: A Symbol of Opportunity

Hammer also highlighted Rubio's political rise as a testament to the opportunities available in the United States: "A son of Cuban immigrants has reached the high rank of Secretary of State. That is my country," he emphasized, referring to Rubio's leadership role. Rubio was born in Miami to Cuban parents.

Hammer's gesture is significant. In diplomatic language, conveying such explicit words as "freedom is near" represents a supportive signal that, while symbolic, resonates deeply among those who view international backing as a potential pathway to change in Cuba.

Repression Amid Celebration

However, while flags flew and future aspirations were discussed at the diplomatic headquarters, a new wave of repression swept through the streets of Havana and other provinces. Operations, arrests, and house detentions were carried out to prevent independent voices from attending the celebration.

From the morning of July 2, State Security agents began surveillance outside the homes of activists and journalists. Among those arrested were:

  • Berta Soler, leader of the Ladies in White, detained as she left her home in Lawton.
  • Osvaldo Navarro, a dissident rapper, and his partner Marthadela Tamayo, intercepted in Cerro.
  • Camila Acosta, journalist for ABC, and her partner, writer Ángel Santiesteban, were besieged.
  • Oscar Elías Biscet and Elsa Morejón, also under house arrest.

Similar actions were reported in other provinces. In Villa Clara, opposition figure Librado Linares noted constant surveillance. In Cienfuegos, brothers Bárbaro and Juan Alberto de la Nuez were threatened by political police. In Pinar del Río, authorities prevented Eduardo Díaz Fleitas and his mother, Nilda García, from traveling to Havana.

Journalist Yunia Figueredo and her husband, writer Frank Correa, were detained for refusing a police interrogation.

The repression was not only physical but also symbolic. As journalist Reynaldo Escobar of 14ymedio pointed out: "During the U.S. War of Independence, part of George Washington's effort was funded from Havana. Today, attending even a commemorative party is forbidden."

The Cuban government has accused mission chief Mike Hammer of "interference" and threatened his expulsion for meeting with dissidents and civil society members. Nevertheless, far from softening his stance, Hammer responded by reaffirming U.S. support for the Cuban people, without mincing words.

Understanding U.S. Support for Cuban Freedom

What message did Mike Hammer deliver to the Cuban people?

Mike Hammer conveyed a message of hope and support, stating "Freedom is near," echoing sentiments shared by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

How did the Cuban government respond to the U.S. Embassy's actions?

The Cuban government accused Mike Hammer of interference and threatened his expulsion for engaging with dissidents and civil society members.

What was the significance of Marco Rubio's role highlighted by Hammer?

Hammer emphasized Rubio's rise as a symbol of the opportunities available in the U.S., being the son of Cuban immigrants who reached the high rank of Secretary of State.

What actions did the Cuban government take during the U.S. Embassy's celebration?

The Cuban government launched a wave of repression, conducting operations, arrests, and house detentions to prevent independent voices from attending the celebration.

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