Two US Democratic congresspeople, Pramila Jayapal and Jonathan Jackson, visited Cuba last week to assess firsthand the impact of the oil embargo imposed by the Trump administration. Their message was stark: without a diplomatic solution, the United States will face a massive migration crisis from the island.

First Congressional Visit of 2026

This marked the first congressional delegation to travel to Cuba in 2026, amid unprecedented tensions between both countries. The lawmakers described their five-day trip as a mission to “see the suffering that is happening on the ground” as a result of what they called “an illegal blockade of energy supplies.”

The visit included meetings with President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Cuban lawmakers, and top officials from the Foreign Ministry. Jackson, who has a long history of interest in Cuban affairs, was blunt in his assessment: “This is the most sanctioned part of Planet Earth right now, just 90 miles off our shores.”

Warning of Mass Migration

The most alarming element of the congresspeople’s statements was their warning about the migratory consequences of the current approach. “We can either help (the Cuban) people stay at home and live a healthy normal life, or there’s going to be a huge migration coming towards the United States,” Jackson declared. “People will not simply stay here, suffer and die.”

This prediction takes on special relevance considering that Cuba is already experiencing one of the worst economic crises in its modern history, exacerbated by daily power outages and shortages of medicines and basic foods.

Human Cost of the Embargo

The lawmakers reported visiting oncology units and maternity wards in Havana hospitals that have been particularly hard hit by the fuel blockade. Jayapal, a prominent figure in the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, expressed her sadness at the deteriorated conditions they witnessed.

The oil embargo, implemented by Trump in February, has threatened tariffs on countries providing oil to Cuba, including Mexico’s state-owned Pemex. However, Trump recently allowed a Russian tanker to deliver 700,000 barrels of desperately needed crude oil.

Call for Dialogue

Both lawmakers confirmed that preliminary conversations have begun between the two governments, though they acknowledged these have not yet reached the level of formal negotiations. “There has been dialogue - the beginnings of dialogue,” Jayapal explained. “I think there is a desire to ensure that there is a real negotiation about what needs to happen in order for the situation to change.”

The congresspeople announced they would continue pushing for legislation to prevent armed conflict with Cuba and to lift sanctions they consider ineffective.

Context of Escalated Tensions

The visit comes amid increasingly aggressive statements from Trump, who recently said he expected to have the “honor” of “taking Cuba in some form” and that he “can do anything I want” with the neighboring country. These threats have elevated tensions to levels not seen since the 1962 Missile Crisis.

The lawmakers praised what they described as recent goodwill gestures from Cuba, suggesting there exists a window of opportunity for diplomacy before the situation deteriorates further.

Migration Precedents

Cuba has a history of mass exodus during times of severe economic crisis. The Mariel boatlift of 1980 brought 125,000 Cubans to US shores, while the 1994 “balsero” crisis saw over 35,000 Cubans attempt the dangerous journey across the Florida Straits. Both events were triggered by economic collapse and political tensions similar to current conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Preguntas frecuentes

Why do Democratic lawmakers consider the oil embargo illegal?

The congresspeople argue that blocking energy supplies constitutes a unilateral measure that lacks international legal basis and causes unnecessary humanitarian suffering to the Cuban civilian population.

How realistic is the warning about a massive migration crisis?

Given that Cuba is already experiencing its worst economic crisis in decades and that historically, island crises have generated mass exoduses (as in 1980 and 1994), the warning has solid historical foundations.

What power do these lawmakers have to change Cuba policy?

As House Representatives, they can introduce legislation, influence public opinion, and pressure the executive branch, though final foreign policy decisions rest with President Trump.

How has the Trump administration responded to this visit?

So far there has been no official White House response, though Trump has maintained his aggressive rhetoric toward Cuba in recent statements.

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