The revelation that Raúl Castro's granddaughter traveled to New York five times on a diplomatic passport with all expenses covered sparked a wave of outrage among Cuban-American Congress members, who denounce the use of privileges by regime family members while millions of Cubans live under blackouts, hunger, and censorship.
The legislator María Elvira Salazar described the situation as “hypocrisy of Castroism” and denounced that while the people suffer, Vilma Rodríguez Castro strolls around lavishly in the United States.
“Enough with privileges for the oppressors!” wrote the representative on her X account, while thanking Martí Noticias for exposing the scandal.
The congressman Mario Díaz-Balart went further and deemed it "outrageous and unacceptable," demanding immediate sanctions and a ban on entry to the United States for family members of the regime.
In the very social network, Díaz-Balart recalled that these beneficiaries of the Cuban repressive system enjoy impunity, while Havana collaborates with adversaries of the United States such as China, Russia, Iran, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and North Korea.
He also pointed out that the regime in Havana protects American fugitives such as Joanne Chesimard and William Morales.
The congressman Carlos Giménez, for his part, used the case to criticize the so-called "thaw" promoted by the administration of Barack Obama, and pointed out that this period "only served to give oxygen to a decaying tyranny."
“We are promoting the end of all travel and remittances to the prison island,” he stated on his X account.
Criticism arose following an investigation published this week by Martí Noticias, based on leaked official documents, which reveal how the Cuban regime facilitated, between 2012 and 2016, at least five trips to the United States for Vilma Rodríguez Castro.
According to the records, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Minrex) processed their diplomatic visas citing "family importance" and security reasons.
The trips included visits to art fairs, exhibitions, and other cultural events in New York, with all expenses covered by U.S. institutions. While millions of Cubans face exit restrictions, the granddaughter of the former ruler traveled through U.S. territory under preferential treatment.
The privileged situation of Rodríguez Castro does not end with the travels, as it was revealed years ago that he manages a luxury mansion in the exclusive neighborhood of Miramar, in Havana, which until recently was rented out for $650 a night on Airbnb, under the name Casa Vida Luxury Holidays.
Following the complaints published by CiberCuba, the U.S. government included the address in its list of prohibited entities for American citizens.
In addition to her family lineage, Vilma is married to the artist Arles del Río, who is connected to the official cultural circuit and has received scholarships from the regime in the United States, such as the one from the Vermont Studio Center, along with other assignments within the island.
Her personal gallery was established with state support in the heart of Vedado, as revealed at the time by Diario de Cuba.
Experts point out that the use of diplomatic passports by relatives of the Castro leadership has been a systematic practice to circumvent migration restrictions, transfer funds discreetly, and even facilitate economic interests outside the island.
The case has reignited criticism of the permissive ties between Washington and Havana, and once again brings attention to the privileges that the Cuban leadership continues to enjoy, even beyond its borders.
Frequently Asked Questions about Raúl Castro's Granddaughter's Trip to New York
Why are Cuban-American congress members outraged by Raúl Castro's granddaughter's travels?
Cuban-American congress members are outraged because they believe that the trips taken by Vilma Rodríguez Castro, conducted with a Cuban diplomatic passport and all expenses covered, are an example of the privileges enjoyed by the elite of the Cuban regime, while the Cuban people face blackouts, hunger, and censorship. They denounce that these trips are a demonstration of the hypocrisy of Castroism, as they benefit the families of the regime's leaders while the population suffers.
How many times did Vilma Rodríguez Castro travel to the United States and for what reasons?
Vilma Rodríguez Castro traveled to the United States at least five times between 2012 and 2016, using a Cuban diplomatic passport. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba justified the issuance of diplomatic visas citing "family importance" and security needs. These trips included participation in cultural events with all expenses covered by American institutions.
What do Cuban-American lawmakers demand in response to these privileges?
Cuban-American congress members demand immediate sanctions and a ban on entry to the United States for the relatives of the Cuban regime. They find it unacceptable that beneficiaries of one of the most repressive regimes enjoy impunity and privileges in the United States while collaborating with the country's adversaries.
What other privileges does Vilma Rodríguez Castro have besides travel?
Vilma Rodríguez Castro manages a luxury mansion in the exclusive Miramar neighborhood in Havana, which until recently was rented for 650 dollars a night on Airbnb, under the name Casa Vida Luxury Holidays. Additionally, she is married to an artist connected to the official cultural circuit and supported by the regime with scholarships and other state aid.
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