José Daniel Ferrer, a prominent Cuban opposition leader, expressed on Thursday that the Cuban people, including those working for the regime without supporting it, have a singular wish regarding the ruling elite: "that they be arrested now." Ferrer shared this sentiment in a live interview with Tania Costa, following an incident involving the Cuban delegation at the United Nations headquarters.
The founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), Ferrer, who endured lengthy periods in the regime's prisons and is currently exiled in the United States, stated, "The people, that famous war of all the people, I swear, have one wish: that they be arrested now."
Ferrer elaborated that following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, individuals serving the regime—without supporting it—began questioning when a similar event might occur in Cuba. "After January 3, so many people I never expected, I never thought would tell me, were asking: when is something similar going to happen here?" Ferrer recounted.
When asked whether something similar could happen after November 3—the date of the United States midterm elections—Ferrer emphatically responded, "Even more energetic, even more energetic."
As evidence of this mounting pressure, the opposition leader cited a CBS News report from September 25, which disclosed inquiries by the U.S. Army to reserve units about their availability for the Southern Command within 90 to 120 days, in a context linked by officials to Cuba. He also mentioned military exercises and movements in Puerto Rico and the positioning of U.S. warships approximately 60 kilometers north of Varadero, observed weeks after Maduro's capture.
Ferrer believes these actions have not yet been executed against the Cuban regime due to the Iranian conflict, which he suggests has diverted Washington's attention and military resources. He explained using a popular metaphor: "The situation in Iran gave them more luck than a rooster left to become a cock, because by now, without the Iranian conflict, some of them would have been in Florida's federal prisons for a while—because Florida is where their trial will take place—and others would already be keeping Fidel Castro company, participating in the morning meetings that Fidel Castro has been holding in hell for some time."
The opposition figure also dismissed the idea that the regime could withstand real pressure: "They are not in a position to wage the wars they claim they are ready to fight."
The interview occurred a day after the Cuban delegation, led by Ambassador Ernesto Soberón, attempted to disrupt the "Free Cuba: The Oppression Havana Hides" forum, organized by the U.S. mission to the UN and Archivo Cuba, by shouting "terrorists" and "out of the UN" at opposition figures present at the event.
U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, condemned the incident, describing the Cuban officials as a "mob of diplomats" harassing former political prisoners.
The immediate context also includes the annual General Assembly vote on the Cuban resolution against the U.S. embargo, scheduled for October 28, 2026. In 2025, this resolution received 165 votes in favor, seven against, and 12 abstentions.
Understanding the Current Cuban Political Climate
What did José Daniel Ferrer say about the Cuban people's desires?
José Daniel Ferrer stated that the Cuban people, including regime workers who do not support it, want the ruling elite to be arrested immediately.
Why is the U.S. military presence relevant to Cuba?
The U.S. military presence is considered relevant due to inquiries about reserve unit availability for the Southern Command and other military activities, which some link to potential actions involving Cuba.
What incident occurred at the UN involving the Cuban delegation?
The Cuban delegation, led by Ambassador Ernesto Soberón, tried to disrupt a forum by shouting "terrorists" and "out of the UN" at opposition members, an action condemned by U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz.