Hialeah's mayor, Bryan Calvo, confidently stated on Thursday that the "days of the Cuban regime are numbered," hinting that the city is getting ready for possible large-scale gatherings of Cubans should there be a political shift on the island.
During a press briefing broadcasted by Telemundo 51, Calvo emphasized that Hialeah is "the city in the United States with the largest Cuban population" and also "the city worldwide where most free Cubans reside." Therefore, he argued, any significant event in Cuba would have an immediate and direct impact on the local community.
“We know that the days of that regime, of that dictatorship, are nearing their end,” declared the young mayor, describing the current situation in Cuba as “critical” following decades of “suffering endured by the Cuban people.”
Calvo noted that his administration is closely monitoring developments on the island, from the energy crisis and blackouts to oil flow and protests, maintaining constant communication with police chiefs, firefighters, and emergency teams.
Ensuring a Peaceful Celebration
"We want to ensure that this is a peaceful celebration, a celebration of Cuban pride, without any disruptive or harmful elements," Calvo stressed.
Although he clarified that the city has no official events planned, he acknowledged expectations of sizable gatherings should a sudden change in Cuba occur “in the coming days, weeks, or months.”
Trump's Executive Order and Local Initiatives
In his address, Calvo also referenced the recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump regarding sanctions on countries transporting oil to Cuba.
"We know President Trump signed an executive order a few days ago imposing tariffs on any country deciding to move oil to the island of Cuba," he remarked.
The mayor took the opportunity to mention Hialeah's newly operational task force, “CubaT,” announced weeks earlier. This initiative focuses on investigating alleged money laundering networks linked to the Cuban regime within the city.
Calvo indicated that they have already received documents and information concerning businesses established in Hialeah potentially involved in such activities.
"There is zero tolerance in our community for money laundering and no tolerance for giving any money to that dictatorship," he warned.
Political Engagement and Future Plans
The statements on Thursday came just a day after Telemundo 51 reported that Calvo attended his first U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, February 4th.
According to a statement, the mayor advocated for several city priorities in the federal capital, including infrastructure investment and oversight of businesses with possible ties to Cuba.
Calvo announced plans to organize a roundtable with other leaders connected to Hialeah and Cuba, ensuring the city remains prepared, informed, and coordinated in light of changes in federal policy and regional context.
“Our responsibility is to be proactive, not reactive,” he declared.
The mayor also revealed upcoming travel to Tallahassee to meet with state legislators in pursuit of funds for infrastructure and essential services.
A Young Mayor with a Strong Stance Against Castroism
At 27, Bryan Calvo became the youngest elected mayor of Hialeah and the state of Florida in November 2025, securing over 52% of the vote.
Since his campaign and subsequent victory, Calvo has consistently taken a hardline stance against the Cuban regime and what he refers to as “interests of Castroism” within the city.
In a previous statement, he asserted that “Hialeah will not serve as a haven for the interests of Castroism” and pledged to scrutinize “every contract, investment, and company with questionable connections.”
Hialeah, regarded as one of the principal strongholds of Cuban exiles in the United States, could become the epicenter of demonstrations and celebrations if the Cuban crisis escalates or drastic power changes occur.
For now, the mayor assures that the city is ready.
Understanding Hialeah's Role in Cuban Affairs
Why is Hialeah significant in the context of Cuban affairs?
Hialeah is home to the largest population of Cubans in the United States, making it a critical community that would feel immediate impacts from any significant political changes in Cuba.
What measures is Hialeah taking to prepare for changes in Cuba?
The city is closely monitoring the situation in Cuba and has established a task force to investigate financial activities linked to the Cuban regime, while also preparing for potential mass gatherings in response to political shifts.