Recently, journalist Mario J. Pentón from Martí Noticias and activist Magdiel Jorge Castro uncovered the identities of the so-called "spontaneous" citizens who confronted U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Mike Hammer during his visit to Varadero. Contrary to the Cuban government's portrayal of a casual encounter, this incident was yet another orchestrated attempt by the regime to harass the American diplomat.
Pentón identified the man as Ricardo Roberto Figueredo Arce, known locally as "Figueredo," and his wife, Marta López Díaz. "This elderly couple has a long history of close ties with the Cuban regime," Pentón explained, emphasizing their deep connection to the regime's grassroots repressive structures. Despite being a U.S. citizen born in Georgia in 1947, Figueredo has been a staunch defender of communism. His wife has served as the president of the local Committee for the Defense of the Revolution for many years.
Community Reaction and Background
Residents of Varadero quickly informed Pentón that the couple is widely disliked in their community due to their affiliations with the regime and participation in government-organized political events. "Both are extremely communist, with all their family already in the United States," Pentón noted, pointing out the irony that Figueredo, as an American citizen, travels frequently and only returned to Cuba this past March from Tampa.
Evidence of Orchestration
Activist Magdiel Jorge Castro shared a 2023 video on Facebook showing Figueredo receiving a diploma as a "distinguished CDR member" at an official ceremony attended by Elián González. "Remember the man who confronted the U.S. Chief of Mission during his Varadero tour? Watch him here receiving a diploma," Castro wrote, further confirming the fabricated nature of the so-called "encounter" with Hammer.
The incident took place while Hammer was on a private visit to Varadero with his family. He was approached by a group of three or four individuals posing as ordinary passersby who questioned him about the embargo and U.S. policy towards Cuba. A camera soon appeared to capture the exchange, leaving no doubt about the setup. During the brief interaction, one of the agitators declared, "The Cuban people have already decided! And they have chosen the Revolution!" to which Hammer calmly responded, "What about those born after '59?" He then chose to walk away, maintaining diplomatic courtesy.
Regime's Propaganda Efforts
The footage was shared by the Ministry of the Interior-affiliated account "La Tía Carmen," a regular voice in the regime’s propaganda machine. The content sought to discredit Hammer, labeling him as an interventionist and portraying his visit as illegal under the embargo regulations while mocking his remarks about the presence of Russian tourists in the area.
Hammer himself responded to the incident with irony in a video released by the U.S. diplomatic mission: "Let me tell you, an elderly couple approached wanting to criticize U.S. policies, which, well, is their right, isn’t it? The curious part was someone immediately started filming it all. So, I don't know if it was staged. You might know better than I do."
Ongoing Harassment of U.S. Diplomats
This episode follows a similar one in June when Hammer was approached by State Security agents disguised as civilians on the Regla ferry. That scene was also recorded and distributed through official channels as part of the regime's harassment strategy. Since his arrival in Havana in 2023, Mike Hammer has stood firmly in support of fundamental freedoms in Cuba. He has condemned the repression against activists, journalists, and dissidents, and has engaged with civil society during his visits to various provinces.
Recently, Hammer has traveled to Bejucal, Artemisa, San Antonio de los Baños, Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey, Villa Clara, and Mayabeque, meeting with volunteers, the elderly, and young people associated with the Catholic Church. The regime's hostility towards him has been escalating. On May 25, Lis Cuesta, the wife of Miguel Díaz-Canel, called him "shameless" on social media, stating that he "doesn't even qualify as an enemy of caliber."
The orchestrated campaign against the American diplomat not only underscores the regime's fear of his growing popularity among Cubans but also reveals the extent of their cynicism: employing regime activists, including a U.S. citizen, to feign popular support and stage a repudiation act in front of the cameras. As many users commented on social media, "I have no proof it was all staged, but I have no doubts either."
Understanding the Incident with Mike Hammer
Who were the individuals that confronted Mike Hammer in Varadero?
The individuals were identified as Ricardo Roberto Figueredo Arce, a U.S. citizen known for his strong communist ties, and his wife Marta López Díaz, a longstanding president of the local Committee for the Defense of the Revolution.
What was the purpose of the confrontation?
The confrontation was part of a staged effort by the Cuban regime to criticize U.S. policies and portray Hammer's visit as illegal, using video footage to discredit him publicly.
How did Mike Hammer respond to the incident?
Hammer responded calmly to the confrontation, questioning the validity of the opinions of those who were born after the Cuban Revolution. He later addressed the incident with irony, suggesting the encounter may have been staged.