José Daniel Ferrer, a prominent Cuban opposition leader, has landed in Miami following his forced exile by the Cuban regime. Ferrer, along with his family, arrived at Miami International Airport (MIA) on Monday, as seen in various videos shared across social media platforms. A large group of supporters and journalists awaited his arrival, but for security reasons, Ferrer did not exit through the airport's conventional doors.
The Cuban-American congressmen, Carlos Gimenez and Mario Díaz-Balart, warmly welcomed Ferrer and shared a photo of the occasion. Ferrer is set to address the press at the Cuban American National Foundation, according to his brother, Luis Enrique Ferrer. The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs also acknowledged Ferrer's arrival in the United States.
"José Daniel Ferrer's tireless advocacy for democracy and the well-being of the Cuban people is truly inspiring. We anticipate that from the U.S., he will continue to champion the rights and freedoms of the Cuban populace. We are pleased that he has finally escaped the regime's oppression. Sadly, over 700 political prisoners remain unjustly detained in Cuba. We urge the international community to join us in defending human rights in Cuba," read a post on social media platform X.
Ferrer García left for Miami on October 13th, accompanied by his family, after prolonged negotiations culminating in his exile, as confirmed on social media by Luis Enrique Ferrer. "From Mar Verde prison to Santiago de Cuba airport. My brave brother has been exiled. May our Lord accompany them on their flight to FREEDOM, with the purpose of continuing the fight until the deserved FREEDOM of all our POLITICAL PRISONERS and our beloved land is achieved," Ana Belkis Ferrer, the opposition leader's sister, also confirmed online.
"The Cuban regime has released and exiled José Daniel Ferrer, leader of UNPACU, and the opponent is now en route to Miami," Martí Noticias reported, corroborated by journalist Mario J. Pentón on social media. The reporter added that a consular team from the U.S. Embassy in Cuba escorted Ferrer and his family amidst a significant presence of political police agents.
Ferrer, the founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), marks the end of one of the most enduring episodes of political persecution on the island, following more than four years of detention and harassment by the regime. His departure became known weeks after a letter dated September 10, 2025, in which Ferrer confirmed his decision to accept exile as a measure to protect his family amid increasing pressures from State Security.
In that letter, disseminated from prison, Ferrer denounced the government's attempts to "discredit the fight for freedom" and manipulate his case as part of potential negotiations involving Cuba, the United States, and the Catholic Church. "I am ready to die, but not to live without honor, without dignity," he declared, describing a scenario of isolation, psychological torture, and political blackmail.
The international community had been closely monitoring Ferrer's situation, criticizing Cuban authorities for systematic human rights violations. Ferrer's forced exile symbolizes both the vulnerability of opposition figures within Cuba and the persistence of a struggle that he will continue from abroad. His brother Luis Enrique Ferrer García has called on Cubans in Miami to welcome him.
Moments after Ferrer boarded the plane to Miami with his family, his brother invited the Cuban community to greet them at terminal D of Miami International Airport (MIA), where they were expected to arrive around 1 p.m.
Understanding the Exile of José Daniel Ferrer
What led to José Daniel Ferrer's exile from Cuba?
José Daniel Ferrer's exile was the result of prolonged negotiations amid increasing pressure from Cuban State Security. He accepted exile to protect his family from ongoing harassment and persecution by the regime.
Who welcomed José Daniel Ferrer upon his arrival in Miami?
José Daniel Ferrer was welcomed in Miami by Cuban-American congressmen Carlos Gimenez and Mario Díaz-Balart, along with a large group of supporters and journalists.
What is the significance of Ferrer's exile to the international community?
Ferrer's exile highlights the ongoing human rights violations in Cuba and underscores the vulnerability of opposition figures. His case has drawn international attention, urging global advocacy for human rights in the country.