Cuban-American Lawmaker Calls for Urgent Action Against Havana Regime

EXCLUSIVE: The lone Cuban-born member of Congress is urging the Trump administration to take decisive actions to weaken the regime in Havana by cutting off its vital economic connections to the United States.

Representative Carlos Gimenez, a Republican from Florida, recently visited Cuba for the first time in 64 years as part of a congressional delegation to Guantanamo Bay. Following his visit, he highlighted the ongoing ways Americans unintentionally aid the Cuban government despite decades of economic embargoes and travel restrictions.

On Thursday, Gimenez plans to communicate with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, requesting the complete cessation of travel to and from Cuba. He is also advocating for a ban on remittances from U.S. citizens to individuals in Cuba, aside from specific funds authorized by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Gimenez emphasized that a significant portion of remittances ultimately benefits the government led by dictator Miguel Diaz-Canel. He believes that further tightening economic constraints on the regime should be a priority for the U.S. government.

Cuban-American Representative Shares Emotional Reflections on Historic Visit

Gimenez’s visit to Cuba rekindled deep emotions, marking a significant personal and political moment. He stated, “The regime in Cuba is recognized as a state sponsor of terrorism. It provides sanctuary for criminals who have escaped American justice and poses a direct threat to the safety of the United States and its citizens,” in his letter to Bessent.

Notably, Gimenez expressed the sentiments of the Cuban-American community, stating, “This issue resonates deeply with Cubans in America and with countless citizens who prioritize freedom, democracy, and human rights as essential values.”

He commended President Donald Trump for reversing the policies enacted during the Obama administration, which some viewed as overly lenient towards the Cuban leadership. Under Obama, direct interactions between U.S. officials and figures like former dictator Raul Castro had stoked controversy, exemplified by a much-discussed photo of both leaders.

Gimenez acknowledged the Trump administration’s recent measures banning vessels from Cuba docking at U.S. ports, but he argued that more comprehensive actions are necessary. He urged, “I implore you, Secretary Bessent, to take immediate steps to halt all forms of travel to and from Communist Cuba and to eliminate remittances flowing into the island.”

Legislator Highlights the Need for Meaningful Economic Pressure

Gimenez asserted that Cuba’s government is currently on the brink of collapse, stating, “The oppressive dictatorship is barely surviving. It cannot even sustain basic services like electricity for its citizens. The time has come for America to support the Cuban people in their quest to dismantle this regime once and for all.” He emphasized urgency, stating, “Now is the moment for action.”

When discussing the prevailing travel situation, Gimenez noted that numerous flights still operate between Cuba and the United States. “If you visit Miami International Airport, you will observe a constant flow of flights from the United States to Cuba and back, and that has to cease,” he commented.

Gimenez believes that a partial travel ban does not suffice and that the regime has historically exploited any loopholes in regulations. He named Marco Rubio as the appropriate official to oversee any potential exceptions to his proposed measures.

He pointed out that substantial remittance flows, especially from Miami-Dade County, contribute to the Cuban economy. “We must work to suffocate the regime. When flights travel from Miami to Cuba, many individuals carry goods and products. The government cannot even provide electricity to its people; it must fail under its own weight. We cannot enable this regime further,” he stated.

While acknowledging that such actions might induce short-term difficulties for Cuban Americans, Gimenez noted the potential for long-term benefits. He believes that intensifying pressure could expedite the downfall of the Castro-Diaz-Canel government, which has faced a punitive embargo since 1959.

Answering concerns regarding why Cuba receives distinct treatment compared to other nations designated as state sponsors of terrorism, such as Iran or Afghanistan, Gimenez pointed to the geographical proximity of Cuba to the U.S. and the large communities of Cuban-American families residing in Florida and across the nation.

He articulated, “Many individuals in Miami and across the U.S. make efforts to support their relatives and friends in Cuba, eager for occasional visits as well.” Yet, he revealed, “I had not traveled back until my recent visit to Guantanamo. I have refrained from sending any money to Cuba in my entire time in the U.S., which spans over 60 years.”

Reflecting on the current climate, Gimenez concluded, “There are various circumstances affecting different individuals, but it is now imperative to declare enough is enough. The U.S. must take the necessary steps to bring about meaningful change in Cuba.”