A close associate of Michel Ortega Casanova, one of the four Florida residents who lost their lives in a confrontation with Cuban coastguards, has stated that Ortega intended to return to Cuba to challenge the government. Speaking to AFP, Wilfredo Beyra, leader of the Cuban Republican Party in Tampa, where Michel was an active member, shared that Ortega frequently expressed a desire to free his homeland.
Beyra elaborated, "His mission was to combat a narco-tyrannical, criminal, and murderous regime, hoping it would spark a popular uprising." Despite advising Ortega against such actions due to the timing, Beyra mentioned that Ortega was resolute, promising to act "at any moment."
According to Havana's reports, a speedboat from the United States, carrying 10 individuals, entered Cuban territorial waters and clashed with border guards, resulting in four fatalities and six injuries. Among those on board were two U.S. citizens: Michel Ortega and one of the injured. A Trump administration official confirmed that the wounded American is receiving medical treatment in Cuba.
Beyra also remarked that several groups in Florida openly declare their readiness to fight for their country's freedom through military training. He further noted knowing one of the injured, Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, from a political event.
Patriot or Terrorist?
Michel Ortega Casanova, a 54-year-old truck driver with over two decades in the United States, was the first of the deceased whose identity surfaced publicly. The Tampa-based organization Casa Cuba hailed him as "a patriot" and declared three days of mourning, with flags flown at half-staff.
His brother, Misael Ortega Casanova, challenged the regime's portrayal of the 10 Cubans as "terrorists." Speaking to journalist Mario Pentón from Martí Noticias, Misael voiced skepticism about any armed plans his brother might have had and doubted that Michel intended to initiate a military action in Cuba. Misael confirmed Michel's political interests and affiliation with the Republican Party but denied any extremist inclinations or plans to take up arms against Cuba.
Michel, who owned a home, was married, and had two children—one in Spain and the other in Lakeland—was described by his brother as "an ordinary guy." Misael recounted that Michel had once mentioned traveling to Cuba to provide aid to his hometown, not to conduct a military operation.
The Cuban Republican Party, where the deceased was a member, issued a statement distancing itself from the actions of the 10 Cubans who left the U.S. on the speedboat. The organization emphasized that its activities are entirely political and do not involve armed actions or control over individual member decisions. They confirmed Michel Ortega Casanova's affiliation with the party but clarified that they were unaware of his intentions or involvement in the incident.
The alleged confrontation between the boat and Cuban Border Troops occurred on Wednesday at Cayo Falcones, in the Corralillo municipality, Villa Clara, in the northeastern area of El Pino channel. The Ministry of the Interior reported that most of the boat's occupants had criminal and violent histories in Cuba. A U.S. official also noted that some had criminal records.
Understanding the Conflict in Cuban Waters
What was Michel Ortega Casanova's goal in returning to Cuba?
Michel Ortega Casanova aimed to fight against the Cuban regime, hoping to trigger a popular uprising against what he termed a "narco-tyrannical" government.
How did the confrontation with the Cuban coastguards unfold?
A speedboat from the U.S. carrying 10 people entered Cuban waters and engaged in a clash with Cuban coastguards, resulting in four deaths and six injuries.
What was the stance of the Cuban Republican Party regarding the incident?
The Cuban Republican Party distanced itself from the actions of the 10 individuals, emphasizing that it does not endorse armed actions and focuses solely on political activities.