Questions

Javier and José were considered dangerous due to their extensive criminal records, including multiple convictions for violent offenses and large-scale drug-related crimes.

In: Border Patrol arrests two Cuban criminals in Florida Keys

In February, the Cuban government unexpectedly agreed to accept around 50 deportees with criminal records, altering its previous reluctance to take back such individuals.

In: Border Patrol arrests two Cuban criminals in Florida Keys

During the two terms of the Trump administration, a record 5,286 Cuban nationals have been deported from the United States, according to compiled data.

In: Border Patrol arrests two Cuban criminals in Florida Keys

A final order means the individual has exhausted their legal remedies and must be deported, but diplomatic and logistical complications can delay execution for years.

In: Border Patrol arrests two Cuban criminals in Florida Keys

The Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA), enacted in 1966, allows Cubans who were formally admitted or paroled into the U.S. and have been physically present for at least one year and one day to apply for permanent residency (a green card). It is a unique privilege that exists for no other nationality. In 2026, however, it faces serious limitations due to Trump's policies and the ongoing legal controversy over the I-220A document.

In: Cuban Adjustment Act 2026: Who Still Qualifies and Who Lost Protection

Currently, NO. In 2022, DHS argued in court that the I-220A (Order of Release on Recognizance) is not equivalent to the formal parole the CAA requires. In 2023, a federal appeals court ruled in the government's favor, closing that door for approximately 500,000 Cubans. However, multiple lawsuits — including a class action led by Miami attorney Mark Prada — are seeking court recognition of I-220A as equivalent to parole. The situation remains under active litigation.

In: Cuban Adjustment Act 2026: Who Still Qualifies and Who Lost Protection

Those with serious criminal records (aggravated felonies such as murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, major fraud) lose CAA protection and become deportable. Also vulnerable are people who entered without inspection, those with I-220A who lack formal parole, and those with final deportation orders. The 302 Cubans deported in the first two months of 2026 largely fell into these categories.

In: Cuban Adjustment Act 2026: Who Still Qualifies and Who Lost Protection

It depends on each case. Alternatives include: applying for asylum if there is documented political, religious, or identity-based persecution; requesting an immigration waiver if more than 15 years have passed since a qualifying conviction without reoffending; obtaining humanitarian parole; or being petitioned by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member. In all cases, consulting an immigration attorney is essential before taking any action.

In: Cuban Adjustment Act 2026: Who Still Qualifies and Who Lost Protection

A Florida-registered speedboat (FL7726SH) was intercepted in Cuban territorial waters near Cayo Falcones, Villa Clara. When approached by Cuban border guards, the crew opened fire. Cuba returned fire, resulting in 4 dead and 6 wounded aboard the speedboat.

In: Cuba Kills 4 on Florida Speedboat Near Villa Clara

One nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel, near Cayo Falcones in Cuba's Villa Clara province, about 200 km east of Havana on the island's north coast.

In: Cuba Kills 4 on Florida Speedboat Near Villa Clara

Cuban authorities have not revealed the identities of those killed or wounded. Florida's Attorney General and Congressman Carlos Gimenez have demanded a federal investigation to determine whether any were U.S. citizens or legal residents.

In: Cuba Kills 4 on Florida Speedboat Near Villa Clara

The shooting happened amid the highest tensions in years between Washington and Havana, following Trump's tightened oil blockade and the capture of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro in January, which deprived Cuba of a key ally and fuel supplier.

In: Cuba Kills 4 on Florida Speedboat Near Villa Clara

Just one weekly flight: departing Madrid on Tuesdays with a stop in Santiago de Cuba to Havana, and returning on Thursdays via the same route.

In: Cubana de Aviación Slashes Madrid Route to Just One Weekly Flight

According to a NOTAM issued on February 11, Jet A1 fuel will not be available at Cuban airports until at least March 11, 2026.

In: Cubana de Aviación Slashes Madrid Route to Just One Weekly Flight

Iberia, Air Europa, World 2 Fly, and Air France continue operating, but all make technical stops in the Dominican Republic or Bahamas to refuel.

In: Cubana de Aviación Slashes Madrid Route to Just One Weekly Flight

Hotel occupancy has plummeted to 20%. Meliá closed 3 hotels, NH exited Havana entirely, and over 150 Spanish business owners operate under permanent contingency plans.

In: Cubana de Aviación Slashes Madrid Route to Just One Weekly Flight

Mike Hammer is the US Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Havana, originally appointed during the Biden administration. He has spent over 15 months in Cuba, traveling to different provinces and meeting with ordinary citizens, entrepreneurs, and activists. His presence in the country generated friction with the Cuban regime, which organized acts of repudiation to obstruct his work.

In: Mike Hammer: 'Yes, Cuba Will See Historic Change in 2026'

In an interview with Spain's ABC newspaper published February 22, 2026, Hammer stated: 'I would say yes, there will be a change. In what form? We'll see.' He also said 'the change is approaching' and noted that there are people inside the Cuban regime who recognize that 'the project is coming to an end.'

In: Mike Hammer: 'Yes, Cuba Will See Historic Change in 2026'

Yes. Hammer confirmed that there are communications between the Trump administration and 'certain people' inside the Cuban regime. In his words: 'Within the Cuban system there are individuals who realize that the project is finishing and may be interested in making a change they see as necessary.' This expands on what President Trump himself had suggested days earlier.

In: Mike Hammer: 'Yes, Cuba Will See Historic Change in 2026'

Yes. Hammer confirmed that different scenarios have been developed for a transition to a free Cuba, aimed at avoiding chaos and allowing the country to rebuild. He said there is international goodwill to support that reconstruction and that the process 'will take some time,' but it will happen 'in a way that will surprise us, very much so.'

In: Mike Hammer: 'Yes, Cuba Will See Historic Change in 2026'

Title III of the Helms-Burton Act (1996) allows US nationals to file lawsuits in American courts against any entity that 'traffics' in property confiscated by the Cuban government after the 1959 revolution. It was long kept dormant by Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama to avoid diplomatic conflicts with allies like Canada and Spain. Donald Trump activated it in 2019.

In: US Supreme Court Weighs Cuba Property Claims Worth Billions

The Supreme Court is considering two cases: 1) ExxonMobil vs. CIMEX, in which the oil major seeks over $1 billion from a Cuban state-owned company for oil and gas assets confiscated in 1960. 2) A small dock-building firm vs. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises, for using Havana port facilities that were confiscated before the revolution.

In: US Supreme Court Weighs Cuba Property Claims Worth Billions

Yes. Although Title III was created in 1996, successive presidents kept it suspended for decades. Only after Trump lifted the suspension in 2019 did a wave of roughly 40 lawsuits begin working through the courts. Today marks the first time the nation's highest court will define the real scope and limits of this law.

In: US Supreme Court Weighs Cuba Property Claims Worth Billions

The amounts are enormous. ExxonMobil alone is seeking over $1 billion. After Cuba's 1959 revolution, the communist government nationalized US-owned properties — factories, sugar mills, oil refineries, power plants — worth billions in today's dollars. Dozens of pending lawsuits could be shaped by the Supreme Court's ruling.

In: US Supreme Court Weighs Cuba Property Claims Worth Billions

Cuban Air Force MiG fighters shot down two unarmed civilian aircraft from the humanitarian organization Brothers to the Rescue in international waters, resulting in the death of four crew members.

In: Exile Demands Raúl Castro Impeachment on 30th Anniversary of Shootdown

Pilots Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales, who were conducting humanitarian missions to save Cuban rafters fleeing the island.

In: Exile Demands Raúl Castro Impeachment on 30th Anniversary of Shootdown

Raúl Castro was the head of the Armed Forces in 1996, and recorded evidence exists of him taking responsibility for the order. The recent capture of Venezuela's Maduro has increased hopes for justice.

In: Exile Demands Raúl Castro Impeachment on 30th Anniversary of Shootdown

A U.S. court convicted Gerardo Hernández (of the Wasp Network) of conspiracy to commit murder regarding the shootdown, but the top leadership in Havana has never faced criminal charges.

In: Exile Demands Raúl Castro Impeachment on 30th Anniversary of Shootdown

Tourist hotels, especially those run by the military's GAESA/Gaviota conglomerate, are connected to priority power grids or have their own generators. The state's logic is to protect tourism as a source of foreign currency, even if that creates a visible divide with the general population.

In: Hotels Lit Up, Hospitals in the Dark: Cuba's Two Worlds

The hospital in Sagua de Tánamo (Holguín) reported blackouts both day and night, with medical tests canceled due to lack of electricity. The report spread on social media the same day Hotel Playa Pesquero was promoting a special dinner with festive lighting.

In: Hotels Lit Up, Hospitals in the Dark: Cuba's Two Worlds

GAESA (Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A.) is the Cuban military's business conglomerate. It controls Gaviota, the military hotel chain, as well as a substantial portion of Cuba's hard-currency economy. Its hotels generate dollars for the state, so they receive preferential treatment in supplies.

In: Hotels Lit Up, Hospitals in the Dark: Cuba's Two Worlds

The viral post from Hotel Playa Pesquero triggered outrage on social media. Activist Joankelin Sánchez summed up the general sentiment with the phrase: 'Cuba no longer wants the Revolution.' Decorated tables and festive lights next to dark neighborhoods and hospitals became a symbol of energy inequality.

In: Hotels Lit Up, Hospitals in the Dark: Cuba's Two Worlds

The removal follows a Supreme Court ruling that questioned the legality of the mechanism based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

In: Trump Lifts Tariffs on Countries Supplying Oil to Cuba

No. The order maintains the 'National Emergency' status, and other trade and financial sanctions remain fully in force.

In: Trump Lifts Tariffs on Countries Supplying Oil to Cuba

Primarily Mexico and potential suppliers that had halted shipments fearing the previously announced punitive tariffs of up to 15%.

In: Trump Lifts Tariffs on Countries Supplying Oil to Cuba

While it reduces pressure on shippers, Cuba's lack of foreign currency and general financial siege remain the biggest obstacles to importing crude oil.

In: Trump Lifts Tariffs on Countries Supplying Oil to Cuba

Emergency supplies, food, and medical equipment are being analyzed through organizations like the Red Cross, following the interruption of normal trade routes.

In: Canada Evaluates Humanitarian Aid Amid Cuba Tourism Collapse

Due to fuel shortages that forced the cancellation of hundreds of tourist flights, Canada is seeking alternatives to maintain a minimum link for humanitarian reasons.

In: Canada Evaluates Humanitarian Aid Amid Cuba Tourism Collapse

The government has issued travel alerts due to the deterioration of basic services, affecting insurance and plans for the over 700,000 Canadians who visit the island annually.

In: Canada Evaluates Humanitarian Aid Amid Cuba Tourism Collapse

According to Health Minister José Ángel Portal Miranda, 5 million people with chronic illnesses will see their medications or treatments affected. This includes 16,000 cancer patients needing radiotherapy and 12,400 undergoing chemotherapy.

In: Cuba's Health System "On Brink of Collapse" Due to US Oil Blockade

The Euro has reached a historic record of 570 CUP this February 23, 2026, rising 5 pesos in the last 24 hours.

In: Euro Reaches Record 570 CUP in Cuba: The Peso Continues Its Fall

The US Dollar remains stable at 505 CUP after surpassing the 500-peso barrier last week.

In: Euro Reaches Record 570 CUP in Cuba: The Peso Continues Its Fall

The Moneda Libremente Convertible (MLC) has risen to 410 CUP in the informal market.

In: Euro Reaches Record 570 CUP in Cuba: The Peso Continues Its Fall

The measure takes effect on March 1, 2026, affecting SMEs, cooperatives, and private economic actors using Mariel port services.

In: Mariel Port to Charge USD from Private Sector Starting March

It's located between Aramburu and Hospital streets in the Cayo Hueso neighborhood of Centro Habana, about a 5-minute walk from the Malecón seawall.

In: Callejón de Hamel: Havana's Open-Air Afro-Cuban Art Gallery

Every Sunday at noon, local groups perform live rumba with dancing and Afro-Cuban ceremonies open to the public.

In: Callejón de Hamel: Havana's Open-Air Afro-Cuban Art Gallery

Cuban artist Salvador González Escalona began transforming the alley with murals and sculptures on April 21, 1990, turning a forgotten street into an open-air gallery.

In: Callejón de Hamel: Havana's Open-Air Afro-Cuban Art Gallery

Yes, entry is completely free. It's a public space where you can enjoy Afro-Cuban art, music, and culture at no cost.

In: Callejón de Hamel: Havana's Open-Air Afro-Cuban Art Gallery

It was U.S. legislation passed in 1901 that set conditions for withdrawing American troops from Cuba, including the right to military intervention and the lease of naval bases like Guantánamo Bay.

In: The Platt Amendment: When Cuba Was Born Free but in Chains

It was repealed in 1934 through a new Treaty of Relations between Cuba and the United States, during President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Good Neighbor Policy. However, the Guantánamo Bay naval base was retained.

In: The Platt Amendment: When Cuba Was Born Free but in Chains

Cuba accepted under duress: the United States conditioned the withdrawal of its troops on inclusion of the amendment in Cuba's 1901 Constitution. Without it, the military occupation would continue indefinitely.

In: The Platt Amendment: When Cuba Was Born Free but in Chains

The United States militarily intervened in Cuba three times: the Second Occupation (1906-1909), the 1912 intervention, and the 1917 intervention, all justified under Article III of the amendment.

In: The Platt Amendment: When Cuba Was Born Free but in Chains

Willie Colón passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026 in a New York hospital at age 75, surrounded by his family.

In: Willie Colón, Salsa Legend, Dies at 75

His hits include El Malo (1967), Calle Luna Calle Sol, Siembra (1978) with Rubén Blades (3 million copies sold, Fania's best-selling album), and four albums with Celia Cruz. He sold over 30 million records in his career and won 9 Gold and 5 Platinum records.

In: Willie Colón, Salsa Legend, Dies at 75

Though born in the Bronx, Willie Colón was a pillar of Afro-Caribbean salsa, a genre deeply influenced by Cuban music (son, rumba, mambo). His work at Fania Records helped consolidate salsa as a synthesis of Cuban, Puerto Rican and New York musical traditions.

In: Willie Colón, Salsa Legend, Dies at 75

His most iconic duos were with Héctor Lavoe (1967-1974) and Rubén Blades (late 70s and early 80s), the latter considered one of the most important salsa duos in Latin music history.

In: Willie Colón, Salsa Legend, Dies at 75

Elpidio Valdés was created in 1970 by Cuban cartoonist and filmmaker Juan Padrón, considered the father of Cuban film animation. The character first appeared in Pionero magazine.

In: Elpidio Valdés: The Animated Hero Who Defined Cuban Childhood

Three feature films were produced: Elpidio Valdés (1979), Elpidio Valdés contra Dólar y Cañón (1983), and Elpidio Valdés contra el Águila y el León (1995), plus over twenty short films.

In: Elpidio Valdés: The Animated Hero Who Defined Cuban Childhood

The iconic Ballad of Elpidio was composed and performed by Silvio Rodríguez, one of the founders of Cuba's Nueva Trova movement, with music by Lucas de la Guardia.

In: Elpidio Valdés: The Animated Hero Who Defined Cuban Childhood

Elpidio Valdés is Cuba's most emblematic animated character. He taught generations of Cuban children about the wars of independence and became a symbol of ingenuity, bravery, and national identity.

In: Elpidio Valdés: The Animated Hero Who Defined Cuban Childhood

According to official ONEI figures, Cuba received only 1.8 million visitors in 2025, an 18% decrease from the previous year and the lowest level in 13 years (excluding the pandemic).

In: Cuba's Tourism on the Brink of Collapse: Empty Hotels and Total Crisis

The Jet A1 fuel crisis has forced Canadian and Russian airlines to suspend routes following announcements of a lack of supply for refueling at Cuban airports.

In: Cuba's Tourism on the Brink of Collapse: Empty Hotels and Total Crisis

Tourism is the country's primary source of foreign exchange. Its paralysis prevents the government from importing food, medicine, and supplies for the electrical system, worsening the crisis cycle.

In: Cuba's Tourism on the Brink of Collapse: Empty Hotels and Total Crisis

Giants like NH have closed all operations on the island, while Meliá has begun 'compacting' services and temporarily closing facilities due to low occupancy, which is below 30%.

In: Cuba's Tourism on the Brink of Collapse: Empty Hotels and Total Crisis

Cuban arroz con leche uses sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk for extra creaminess, lemon peel instead of orange, and is served cold. Spanish versions typically use only whole milk and sugar, served warm.

In: Cuban Arroz con Leche: The Creamy Rice Pudding That Holds Memory

Long-grain white rice is the most traditional choice in Cuba, though short-grain or arborio rice produces a creamier texture. Both work well for this recipe.

In: Cuban Arroz con Leche: The Creamy Rice Pudding That Holds Memory

Yes, though the result will be less creamy. Substitute with ¾ cup white sugar and extra evaporated milk. Before the Special Period, Cuban grandmothers often made it with just sugar and fresh milk.

In: Cuban Arroz con Leche: The Creamy Rice Pudding That Holds Memory

Properly refrigerated in a covered container, it keeps for 4-5 days. It thickens as it cools, so add a splash of milk when serving to adjust the consistency.

In: Cuban Arroz con Leche: The Creamy Rice Pudding That Holds Memory

Aguardiente de caña is the raw, unaged distillate with a strong, direct flavor. Rum undergoes additional filtration, continuous distillation, and aging in oak barrels that give it smoothness, color, and aromatic complexity. Aguardiente is essentially rum's ancestor.

In: Cuban Aguardiente: The Sugarcane Spirit That Forged a Nation

Chispa de tren (train spark) is the popular name for illegally home-distilled aguardiente in Cuba. Also known as mofuco or espérame en el suelo (wait for me on the floor). It's a tradition that resurfaces during economic crises when industrial rum becomes scarce or unaffordable.

In: Cuban Aguardiente: The Sugarcane Spirit That Forged a Nation

Since the early 1500s. Sugar mills operated alembics to distill cane juice and molasses. By 1687 it had its own tax rate, and the Spanish Crown tried to ban it in 1714 — unsuccessfully.

In: Cuban Aguardiente: The Sugarcane Spirit That Forged a Nation

Yes, brands like Ron Legendario sell Aguardiente de Caña Natural internationally, mainly in Europe. Caribbean-style cane spirits like Caña Brava from Panama and Haitian Clairin offer similar profiles and are available on Amazon and specialty spirit shops.

In: Cuban Aguardiente: The Sugarcane Spirit That Forged a Nation

The word hammock comes from the Taíno language, spoken by indigenous Caribbean peoples. It derives from 'hamaca,' linked to the maka tree whose bark was used to weave the first hammocks. Christopher Columbus documented it in his journals from his first voyage to Cuba in 1492.

In: The Cuban Hammock: Taíno Heritage and Tropical Relaxation Tradition

Traditional Cuban hammocks were woven from henequén (sisal), majagua (sea hibiscus), and cotton fibers. Today they're also made from nylon and polypropylene, though artisans in provinces like Camagüey and Holguín still use natural fiber techniques.

In: The Cuban Hammock: Taíno Heritage and Tropical Relaxation Tradition

In Cuba, artisan markets like San José in Havana and Trinidad's craft market sell handmade hammocks. Online, Yellow Leaf Hammocks, Amazon, and Etsy offer Caribbean-style hammocks. Miami's Cuban shops on Calle Ocho also carry them.

In: The Cuban Hammock: Taíno Heritage and Tropical Relaxation Tradition

Hang the hammock at about 5 feet high with a 30-degree angle on the ropes. The distance between anchor points should be about 75% of the hammock's total length. This creates the perfect ergonomic curve for comfortable rest.

In: The Cuban Hammock: Taíno Heritage and Tropical Relaxation Tradition

No. The conversations are exploratory, and the sanctions imposed by the Trump and Biden administrations remain in effect for now.

In: Cuba Confirms Talks with the U.S. and Starts Release of Prisoners

There is no official list yet, but it is estimated they include individuals detained after the July 2021 protests and some dual-national citizens.

In: Cuba Confirms Talks with the U.S. and Starts Release of Prisoners

Washington has maintained a cautious stance, confirming only that they keep communication channels open for matters of national interest and security.

In: Cuba Confirms Talks with the U.S. and Starts Release of Prisoners

It is unlikely. Any economic relief resulting from these negotiations would take months to translate into improvements for the infrastructure.

In: Cuba Confirms Talks with the U.S. and Starts Release of Prisoners

Jean-Noël Barrot and Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla discussed bilateral relations, Cuba's economic and social situation, human rights, progress on economic reforms, and US fuel supply restrictions. France reaffirmed its commitment to fundamental freedoms as a factor for lasting stability.

In: French and Cuban Foreign Ministers Meet in Paris Amid Tense Context

France is one of the EU's most influential countries in foreign policy. Its dialogue with Cuba amid maximum US pressure signals that Europe does not want to cede the field entirely to Washington. It also opens the door to potential humanitarian assistance or European mediation.

In: French and Cuban Foreign Ministers Meet in Paris Amid Tense Context

The Cuban foreign minister traveled to Moscow (meeting Putin and Lavrov), then Madrid (with Minister José Manuel Albares), and finally Paris. In Paris he also met with UNESCO Director-General Jaled al Anani.

In: French and Cuban Foreign Ministers Meet in Paris Amid Tense Context

Europe can offer humanitarian assistance, financing frameworks, and diplomatic pressure, but it cannot replace the oil Cuba needs. Its biggest lever is political: showing the US that total isolation of Cuba carries global diplomatic costs.

In: French and Cuban Foreign Ministers Meet in Paris Amid Tense Context