Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, a former Cuban spy convicted in the United States and now the national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), ridiculed a protest organized by the Cuban exile community in Miami. The demonstration aimed to mark the fifth anniversary of the July 11, 2021 protests in Cuba.
Hernández took to his account on X to share an edited image from CiberCuba of the gathering held outside the Cubamax Travel agency in Hialeah. He sarcastically captioned it, "Massive demonstration!" followed by a mocking comment.
"They say the reason there were only a few people is because ICE is deporting everyone with a criminal record..." he wrote, poking fun at the protest's turnout.
The event, organized on Saturday by activist Ariel Góngora and the group Exilio Unido Ya, took place in front of Cubamax, a company criticized by some exile groups for allegedly keeping ties with the Cuban regime.
The Protest's Message
Participants carried signs with slogans like "#SOS Political Prisoners" and "Cuba demands freedom," calling for the release of those imprisoned following the 11J protests.
During a live Facebook broadcast, Góngora accused the company's owners, Carlos Trujillo and Giraldo Acosta, of acting as "front men for the Castro dictatorship."
Activist Iliana Curra Lussón described the protest as "peaceful, yet vigorous."
"We are here, as always, confronting communism, confronting the Castro supporters, and confronting the allies and accomplices of terrorism in Cuba," she asserted.
Hernández's Sarcasm and ICE Deportations
Hernández's sarcastic remark referenced the increase in detentions and deportations of Cuban migrants by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
However, immigration attorney Willy Allen has publicly argued that many of the Cubans detained by ICE do not have criminal records, contradicting the notion that these immigration operations target only those convicted of crimes.
Since early 2026, Cuban deportations have ramped up following the resumption of deportation flights between the U.S. and Cuba, including the return of individuals convicted of serious crimes, a first-time acceptance by the Havana regime. By June, 612 Cuban nationals had been deported in 18 operations.
Engagement with Exile Critics
Since his return to Cuba in December 2014 as part of the reestablishment of U.S.-Cuba relations, Hernández has maintained an active presence on social media, often responding sarcastically to exile politicians, journalists, and activists.
In recent months, he has targeted figures such as Senator Marco Rubio and Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar with his posts. In June, he even mocked the situation in Miami by calling for "freedom for Miami so they don't have to live in fear."
This controversial publication coincides with the fifth anniversary of the July 11, 2021 protests, the largest anti-government demonstrations in Cuba in decades.
Human rights organizations estimate that between 1,281 and 1,306 individuals remain imprisoned for political reasons on the island, including hundreds of 11J demonstrators. On Saturday, Senator Marco Rubio once again called for their immediate release, affirming that the United States will continue to use "all available tools" to support the Cuban people.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Political Situation
What was the significance of the July 11, 2021 protests in Cuba?
The July 11, 2021 protests were the largest anti-government demonstrations in Cuba in decades, highlighting widespread discontent with economic conditions and political repression.
Who is Gerardo Hernández Nordelo?
Gerardo Hernández Nordelo is a former Cuban spy who was convicted in the United States. He is currently the national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) in Cuba.
How has the U.S. responded to political imprisonments in Cuba?
The U.S. government, through officials like Senator Marco Rubio, has consistently called for the immediate release of political prisoners in Cuba and committed to using all available resources to support the Cuban people's struggle for freedom.