U.S. Revokes Visas for Carlos Lage's Daughter and Her Husband

The United States has rescinded the multiple-entry visas of Cristina Lage Codorniú, the youngest daughter of former Cuban Vice President Carlos Lage Dávila, and her husband, Orlando Alain Rodríguez Leyva. The couple was informed of this decision by the U.S. Embassy in Havana on Thursday, June 12.

According to sources with direct knowledge of the situation, who spoke to Martí Noticias, the State Department did not provide specific reasons for the revocation, adhering to its policy of not commenting on individual visa decisions.

This move comes months after revelations that the couple owns Group Tentacioones SRL, a high-end restaurant chain in Havana. Their establishments include Sensacioones, Woow, and Nao Habana, along with the food delivery service IFood.

Employing over 40 workers, the group operates some of the most exclusive dining venues in the Cuban capital, where prices in dollars starkly contrast with the local economic reality. For instance, a Galician Tomahawk steak exceeds $114, which is more than half a year’s average state salary in Cuba.

Before their visas were revoked, Cristina frequently traveled to the United States and Europe, according to consulted sources.

While the company's website does not publicly list its owners, it describes their venues as "the realized dream of a family passionate about hospitality and Cuba's rich culinary heritage."

Lage Codorniú, a law graduate and copyright manager, and her husband have not responded to requests for comment from Martí Noticias.

Implications of the Revocation

After their restaurant empire was brought to light last December, employee accounts revealed that regular patrons include members of Cuba's political and military elite, such as Raúl Castro's grandson, known as "El Cangrejo," who insist on having security cameras turned off upon entry.

The situation holds significant symbolic weight, given Cristina's father, once dubbed the "economy czar," was one of the most influential figures in the Cuban regime. He was abruptly ousted by Raúl Castro in March 2009 for allegedly succumbing to the "temptations of power," later admitting "mistakes" and vowing to continue as a "soldier of the Revolution" in an official letter to the Granma newspaper.

U.S. Policy Towards Cuba's Elite

This action aligns with Washington's tightening stance on Cuba's elite and their familial networks. The Trump administration enacted Executive Order 14404 on May 1, 2026, imposing over 240 sanctions against the regime, targeting figures like Miguel Díaz-Canel, Alejandro Castro Espín, and the military conglomerate GAESA.

An anonymous economist based in Cuba, cited by Martí Noticias, posed a crucial question regarding the broader implications: "To what extent is this new generation of oligarchs poised to inherit not only the privileges but also the political and economic control of the island?"