Cuban dissident José Daniel Ferrer has shared his inaugural message from the United States after being forcibly exiled from Cuba alongside his family. The leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) expressed his gratitude to his allies in exile, the U.S. government, and everyone who enabled his departure from the island, reaffirming his commitment to the fight for Cuban freedom.
"Here is my first message from this great nation, the United States, the world's leading power and the vanguard of the free world, where I arrived—forced exile, banishment—alongside my family around noon yesterday, the 13th," Ferrer posted on his official Facebook page.
He expressed appreciation to numerous individuals and organizations, including President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the State Department, the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, congress members, Miami's local authorities, and Cuban exile activists.
Continued Fight for Freedom
"The tyranny can eliminate you anywhere," Ferrer warned, highlighting the dangers faced up to the last moment on Cuban soil. He also thanked the security personnel who accompanied them during their departure, mentioning several individuals by name, including Anabelkis Ferrer and presenter Alexander Otaola.
"We've received countless gestures of the most wonderful hospitality in Miami. Thank you to all, thank you to many," he emphasized, acknowledging the support received upon his arrival.
Ferrer stressed that his struggle persists now from abroad: "The fight continues with renewed strength. We must unite and make our struggle for freedom highly effective. We must topple the infamous and criminal tyranny of @DiazCanelB, we must save #Cuba," he wrote.
He also issued an urgent call for the release of political prisoners on the island: "We must begin by making the freedom of all political prisoners possible now."
Message of Solidarity and Determination
Ferrer extended warm regards to his fellow freedom fighters in Cuba: "Fraternal hugs and my admiration and respect to all my brothers in the struggle on our suffering homeland: Ladies in White and other heroes fighting for our people's freedom and well-being."
The opposition leader concluded with a promise to return, even at great personal risk: "If we do what needs to be done, I will soon be back, even if it means returning to the tyranny's dungeons to face beatings and torture, but confident of victory," he asserted.
International Support and Call for Unity
The U.S. Embassy in Cuba and Secretary of State Marco Rubio celebrated Ferrer's arrival on American soil. "Ferrer and his family are in the United States. The Cuban people's longing for fundamental freedoms and democracy is an inspiration to many. We reaffirm our commitment to a free, just, and democratic Cuba," the diplomatic mission stated.
On Monday, during a press conference at the National Cuban-American Foundation (FNCA), Ferrer had called for unity among Cubans both inside and outside the country to "end the dictatorship as soon as possible."
"We all bear the blame, all Cubans are responsible for how long they have lasted... those inside and in the diaspora," Ferrer remarked, also harshly criticizing Latin American governments, the European Union, and previous policies of engagement with the Cuban regime, which he deemed failures.
He also urged action: "The political police should not sleep a moment," advocating for international pressure, social mobilization, and peaceful actions like graffiti and public messages to keep the freedom struggle alive in Cuba.
Ferrer arrived in the United States with his family on October 13, after leaving Santiago de Cuba's airport. He was welcomed in Miami by activists, local officials, and members of the Cuban exile community.
Forced Exile Under Pressure and Recognition in the U.S.
Ferrer was released from Mar Verde prison and taken directly to Santiago de Cuba's airport amid tight security and accompanied by U.S. Embassy consular personnel. The operation was conducted discreetly following weeks of pressure and uncertainty.
"They told me I had to go alone to Guyana or Nicaragua. I replied: kill me if you want, but I am not leaving my family behind," Ferrer recounted during the FNCA press conference.
Upon his arrival in Miami, Ferrer was greeted with cheers and support from the exile community and was awarded the Truman-Reagan Freedom Medal, granted by exile organizations in recognition of his fight against communism in Cuba.
Mixed Emotions and Commitment to Return
During his public address, Ferrer spoke of "mixed emotions": joy for being with his family in freedom, but sorrow for those who remain imprisoned or in dire conditions on the island. "The regime's prisons are hell," he stated bluntly.
He was adamant about his intention to return: "My aim is not to wait 17 years like Martí, Maceo, or Crombet; it is to return as soon as possible to end the tyranny," he asserted.
The Voice of His Wife: Sadness and Hope
Nelva Ismarays Ortega Tamayo, Ferrer's wife and a medical professional, also shared her pain over leaving behind so many needy individuals they assisted in Santiago de Cuba. "It hurts to leave the social cases, the elderly, the children we cared for. They asked us: ‘and now what happens to us?’"
Through tears, she recalled the fears before their departure, the impact of imprisonment on their children, and the suffering of Cuban families: "They enjoy seeing their people like this. It is painful to witness mothers without food or electricity for their children." "We will return, we will return very soon," she assured with determination.
Key Questions About José Daniel Ferrer's Exile and Advocacy
What prompted José Daniel Ferrer's exile from Cuba?
José Daniel Ferrer's exile was a result of ongoing persecution by the Cuban regime, which forced him and his family to leave the country under a security escort amid mounting pressure and uncertainty.
How did Ferrer express his gratitude upon arriving in the U.S.?
Ferrer expressed his gratitude to numerous individuals and organizations, including U.S. officials and Cuban exile activists, for their support in facilitating his departure and arrival in the United States.
What are Ferrer's plans for continuing his activism?
Ferrer plans to continue his fight for Cuban freedom from exile, urging unity among Cubans and calling for international pressure and peaceful actions to challenge the regime.
What recognition did Ferrer receive upon his arrival in Miami?
Upon his arrival in Miami, Ferrer was awarded the Truman-Reagan Freedom Medal by exile organizations in recognition of his struggle against communism in Cuba.