U.S. Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart declared on Friday that opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer, who has been coerced into exile by the Cuban regime, will be hailed as a hero upon his arrival. In a statement shared on social media platform X, Díaz-Balart praised Ferrer’s courage, noting his years of imprisonment and torture for advocating freedom in Cuba.
"@jdanielferrer is a hero. After enduring years of imprisonment, beatings, physical and psychological torture, and persecution by the murderous regime in Cuba, simply for demanding freedom, he is being forced into exile. He deserves and will receive a hero's welcome," wrote the Cuban-American Republican congressman.
Díaz-Balart continued, "We will keep offering our unwavering solidarity to him, his family, and the brave Cuban people." Joining him, Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar also condemned Ferrer's forced exile. "The Castro dictatorship once again shows its cruelty and cowardice. Following months of inhumane torture, José Daniel Ferrer, an undeniable symbol of resistance, is being driven into exile. The free world cannot continue to stand idly by in the face of such barbarity," she stated.
From the Mar Verde prison in Santiago de Cuba, the leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) disclosed in a handwritten letter that he decided to leave the country to protect his family, a decision he describes as "painful and made under extreme pressure."
Dated September 10, 2025, and released by his family, Ferrer’s letter details the torture, cruel treatment, and the regime's attempts to discredit his struggle. "I have been subjected to brutal beatings, torture, humiliation, and death threats," Ferrer wrote, without specifying the country he intends to travel to. "My family has also been the target of the most ruthless persecution."
Ferrer explained that he opted for exile before the assault on his home on April 29, when he was re-incarcerated following the revocation of his conditional release. He emphasized that leaving Cuba does not signify surrender: "I leave with dignity and honor intact. I am not abandoning the fight. I will return," he asserted, drawing inspiration from Cuban independence heroes. "I will continue fighting until Cuba is free or I die trying."
The U.S. Department of State has called for Ferrer's immediate release, and Amnesty International has recognized him as a prisoner of conscience. His case has sparked a wave of international solidarity and once again highlights the ongoing political repression on the island.
Key Issues Surrounding José Daniel Ferrer's Exile
Why was José Daniel Ferrer forced into exile?
José Daniel Ferrer was forced into exile by the Cuban regime as a result of his persistent advocacy for freedom and human rights, which led to his imprisonment, torture, and persecution.
How did international entities respond to Ferrer's situation?
The U.S. Department of State demanded Ferrer's immediate release, and Amnesty International recognized him as a prisoner of conscience, prompting a strong wave of international solidarity.
What did José Daniel Ferrer express about his exile?
In a letter, Ferrer stated that his decision to leave Cuba was made to safeguard his family, and he emphasized that he is not surrendering but will continue the fight for Cuba’s freedom, vowing to return.