The Cuban regime's Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez, expressed his discontent over Miami's scrutiny of businesspeople potentially linked to trade with Cuba.
"While the U.S. government claims to champion free enterprise and the freedom for its citizens to invest and conduct business in any nation, Florida politicians are obstructing, limiting, and threatening American and Cuban entrepreneurs residing in the state under unfounded pretexts. These individuals maintain economic and trade relations with both public and private companies in Cuba, holding licenses issued by OFAC and the Treasury Department," Rodríguez stated on X.
He rhetorically questioned, "Who is blocking and severing ties between the two countries? Who maintains a backward and criminal policy, waging economic war against the Cuban people?"
Hialeah's Bold Move
The diplomatic leader's outburst follows Hialeah's unprecedented decision last week to investigate nearly 300 local businesses possibly engaged in commercial activities with the Cuban regime. This move is described by city officials as a step to eliminate any economic complicity with the dictatorship.
Mayor Bryan Calvo announced this initiative during a press conference, signaling a significant shift in the municipal government's stance on trade relations with Cuba.
This investigation was prompted by the establishment of the Business Advisory Group on Cuba (CUBAT), created through an executive order by Calvo on the day of his inauguration.
The group’s primary aim is to audit the contracts and business licenses of companies operating in Hialeah that may directly or indirectly benefit the Cuban regime.
"We have identified over 290 businesses potentially engaging in trade with Cuba's Castro regime," Calvo declared in a recent press briefing.
The mayor outlined that each of these businesses would be required to present documentation proving the legality of their operations and the necessary federal permits to trade with Cuba.
Miami-Dade's Firm Stance
Additionally, last week, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis sent a letter to President Donald Trump, urging the suspension of all federal licenses and authorizations related to Cuba, aimed at preventing the communist regime from benefiting from American funds or services.
Her official communication, supported by a unanimous resolution from the Miami-Dade Board of Commissioners, carried a strong message: "Miami-Dade County unanimously voted to urge President Trump to halt all federal licenses related to Cuba until complete audits and transparency are achieved."
She added, "We cannot allow a communist regime to exploit federal authorizations that harm U.S. interests and our community."
The commissioner further praised President Trump's actions in defense of freedom and hemispheric security, especially following the fall of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela.
In her letter, she commended him for "his steadfastness in defending democratic values and liberating the oppressed peoples of the Western Hemisphere."
Milian Orbis warned that the Cuban regime poses "a threat to the national security of the United States" and affirmed that Miami-Dade County "is ready to collaborate with the White House on all initiatives aimed at ending communism in Cuba and restoring freedom."
Key Questions on Miami's Investigation into Cuban Business Ties
Why is Miami investigating local businesses with ties to Cuba?
Miami is investigating local businesses to eliminate any economic complicity with the Cuban regime, aiming to cut off potential benefits to the dictatorship.
What is the Business Advisory Group on Cuba (CUBAT)?
CUBAT is a group established by Hialeah Mayor Bryan Calvo to audit contracts and business licenses of companies that might benefit the Cuban regime, ensuring compliance with federal laws.
What actions has Miami-Dade County taken regarding business with Cuba?
Miami-Dade County, led by Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis, has called for a suspension of all federal licenses related to Cuba until thorough audits and transparency are established.