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The Cuban opposition figure José Daniel Ferrer published his first message from the United States on Tuesday, after being exiled by the Cuban regime along with his family. The leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) expressed his gratitude to his allies in exile, the U.S. government, and all the people who made his departure from the island possible, and reaffirmed his commitment to the fight for the freedom of the Cuban people.
“My first message from this Great Nation #USA, the world's leading power and the forefront of the free world, where I arrived – forced exile, banishment – with my family around noon yesterday the 13th,” Ferrer wrote on his official Facebook profile.
In his message, he expressed his gratitude to numerous figures and entities, including President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Department of State, the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, congress members, local authorities in Miami, and Cuban exile activists.
"The tyranny can eliminate you anywhere," warned Ferrer, who denounced the dangers faced up to the last moment in Cuban territory. He also expressed gratitude to the security personnel who accompanied them during their departure from the country and specifically named several individuals who made their exit possible, including Anabelkis Ferrer and presenter Alexander Otaola.
"We have received many expressions of the most beautiful hospitality in Miami. Thank you to everyone, thank you to many," he stated, highlighting the support he received following his arrival.
Ferrer reiterated that his fight continues now from exile: “The struggle continues with renewed strength. We must unite and make our fight for freedom very effective. We must bring down the infamous and criminal tyranny @DiazCanelB, we must save #Cuba,” he wrote.
Additionally, he made an urgent call for the freedom of political prisoners on the island: “We must start by making the freedom of all political prisoners a reality now.”
In his message, he also addressed his fighting comrades in Cuba: "Fraternal hugs and my admiration and respect for all my brothers and sisters in the struggle in our suffering homeland: Ladies in White and other heroes of the fight for the freedom and well-being of our people."
The opposition leader concluded with a promise of return, even at risk: “If we do what must be done, I will soon be back even if I return to the dungeons of tyranny to face blows and torture, but assured of victory,” he declared.
International support and call for unity
The United States Embassy in Cuba, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, celebrated Ferrer's arrival in U.S. territory. “Ferrer and his family are in the United States. The Cuban people's yearning for fundamental freedoms and democracy is an inspiration to many. We reaffirm our commitment to a free, fair, and democratic Cuba,” stated the diplomatic mission.
On Monday, during a press conference at the Cuban American National Foundation (FNCA), Ferrer issued a call for the unity of Cubans inside and outside the country to "end the dictatorship as soon as possible."
"We all share blame, all Cubans, we are responsible for how long this has lasted... both those inside and those in the diaspora," said Ferrer, who also strongly criticized the governments of Latin America, the European Union, and previous policies of rapprochement with the Cuban regime, which he described as failures.
He also made a call to action: “The political police must not rest for a moment,” and he asked for international pressure, social mobilization, and peaceful actions, such as graffiti and public messages, to keep the fight for freedom in Cuba alive.
Ferrer arrived in the United States with his family on October 13, after leaving the airport in Santiago de Cuba. He was welcomed in Miami by activists, local officials, and members of the Cuban exile community.
An exile under pressure and a decoration in the U.S. for his fight against communism in Cuba
Ferrer was released from Mar Verde prison and taken directly to Santiago de Cuba airport, under a heavy security operation and accompanied by consular staff from the United States Embassy. The process was carried out with strict confidentiality, following weeks of pressure and uncertainty.
"They told me that I should go alone to Guyana or Nicaragua. I responded: kill me if you want, but I'm not going to leave my family behind," recounted the opposition member at the press conference held at the Cuban American National Foundation (FNCA).
Upon his arrival in Miami, Ferrer was welcomed with cheers and expressions of support from the exile community, and was awarded the Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom, granted by exile organizations in recognition of his fight against communism in Cuba.
"Mixed emotions" and commitment to return
During his public address, the opposition figure spoke of “mixed feelings”: joy for being with his family in freedom, but pain for those who remain imprisoned or in extreme conditions on the island. “The prisons of the regime are a hell,” he stated harshly.
He was firm in his intention to return: "My intention is not to wait 17 years like Martí, Maceo, or Crombet; it is to return as soon as possible to put an end to the tyranny," he stated.
The voice of his wife, between sadness and hope
Nelva Ismarays Ortega Tamayo, wife of Ferrer and a medical professional, also shared her sorrow for leaving behind so many needy individuals they helped in Santiago de Cuba. “It pains us to leave the social cases, the elderly, the children we cared for. They would ask us: ‘And now, what will happen to us?’”
Amid tears, she recalled the fears prior to her departure, the impact of imprisonment on her children, and the suffering of Cuban families: "They enjoy seeing their people like this. It's painful to see mothers without food or electricity for their children." "We will return, we will return very soon," she assured firmly.
Frequently asked questions about the exile of José Daniel Ferrer
Why was José Daniel Ferrer exiled to the United States?
José Daniel Ferrer was exiled to the United States as a result of political pressure and international negotiations, in which the Cuban regime attempted to gain benefits in exchange for his release. Ferrer accepted exile to protect his family and continue his fight for freedom from abroad, following years of harassment and torture in Cuba.
What is José Daniel Ferrer's commitment from exile?
José Daniel Ferrer has reaffirmed his commitment to the struggle for the freedom of the Cuban people from exile. His intention is to continue working for the unity of Cubans both within and outside the country to end the dictatorship, advocating for the freedom of political prisoners and promoting peaceful actions that maintain pressure on the Cuban regime.
What support has José Daniel Ferrer received in the United States?
José Daniel Ferrer has received extensive support in the United States, including backing from the U.S. government, Cuban exile activists, and political figures such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He was awarded the Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom for his fight against communism in Cuba, symbolizing recognition of his resilience and commitment to human rights.
What does the Cuban regime say about Ferrer's exile?
The Cuban regime has attempted to present the exile of José Daniel Ferrer as a lawful act, claiming it was the result of a formal request from the U.S. government and with Ferrer's own consent. However, this exile has been internationally criticized as a maneuver to silence dissenting voices and represents a violation of human rights.
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