On Thursday, State Security officers visited the homes of several Cuban activists and independent journalists, issuing warnings to dissuade them from attending the "American Nights" event hosted by the United States Embassy in Havana. This action represents another instance of the Cuban regime's repressive tactics against those engaging with the U.S. diplomatic mission.
Major John, a State Security officer, personally visited Dagoberto Valdés Hernández, the director of the Center for Coexistence Studies (CEC), to inform him that members of his organization were prohibited from attending the event. The warning was unequivocal, with Major John stating, "We are telling you in advance so you don't have a bad night," as reported by the CEC on social media.
Meanwhile, in Havana, activist Adelth Bonne Gamboa was confronted by an officer known only as "Rodrigo." He was placed under house arrest from that moment until Saturday, without any formal explanation. Bonne Gamboa publicly denounced the encounter, saying, "The State Security Officer 'Rodrigo' just showed up at my house to threaten me that I am forbidden from leaving my house until Saturday. When I asked for the reason, as always, they didn't have an answer. The reason is always the same: THERE IS A DICTATORSHIP IN CUBA."
Continued Repression Against Independent Voices
In a related incident, journalist Henry Constantin, who directs the independent outlet La Hora de Cuba, has been detained since Wednesday afternoon at Villa María Luisa, a State Security center in Camagüey. His detention followed a verbal summons from Agent Felipe, who had instructed him to appear at 8:30 a.m. on September 16 at a police station. Without informing about his transfer or charges, authorities have kept Constantin detained.
When colleagues from La Hora de Cuba tried to locate him around 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, officials responded evasively. On Thursday, journalist Alejandra García, Constantin’s partner, attended a scheduled meeting with instructor Juan Pablo, only to be told by another officer that Constantin is under investigation for disobedience. This allegation stems from allegedly missing a September 9 summons at the Directorate of Identification, Immigration, and Foreigners.
A precautionary measure—ranging from bail to house arrest or temporary imprisonment—was anticipated for Constantin on Thursday as the 24-hour detention mark passed.
Pattern of Intimidation and Control
This recent operation is not an isolated event. On July 4, State Security executed a similar operation to prevent dissidents and journalists from attending the U.S. Embassy's Independence Day celebration. Furthermore, in January 2026, officials warned against future interactions between Mission Chief Mike Hammer and Cuban civil society.
Constantin has faced multiple detentions; in January 2026 alone, he was arrested three times within 12 days. In June 2025, he was held for four days, accused of contempt for reporting on State Security surveillance, as noted in a Human Rights Watch global report.
The CEC has also been subjected to continued harassment, including interrogations of its directors in April 2026 and a travel ban to Havana imposed on Valdés Hernández in May of the same year.
La Hora de Cuba has publicly demanded the immediate release of its director, Henry Constantin, and an end to the repression against him and other independent journalists on the island.
State Security and Human Rights in Cuba
What is the "American Nights" event in Havana?
"American Nights" is an event organized by the United States Embassy in Havana, aimed at fostering cultural and diplomatic engagement.
Why was Henry Constantin detained by State Security?
Henry Constantin was detained following a verbal summons and is being investigated for alleged disobedience, linked to missing a previous police summons.
How does the Cuban regime typically handle dissent and independent journalism?
The Cuban regime often employs intimidation, detentions, and other repressive measures to silence dissent and stifle independent journalism.