The Dominican YouTuber Dany Pérez, known as Destino Tolk, sparked controversy on social media with a threat directed at the Cuban influencer Eliécer Ávila, warning him that he could disclose information about his communist past to U.S. immigration authorities.
"Attention Eliécer Ávila, attention Eliécer Ávila," Destino began saying in a video posted on their social media, where they refer to the alleged communist affiliation of the former leader of the Somos + movement during his time as a student at the University of Computer Sciences (UCI) in Cuba.
"Today they caught a Cuban who supposedly belonged to the Communist Party. Now we have to send the evidence and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took him away, they apprehended him. You know you owe me one, you owe me one Eliécer," said the Dominican with a sly smile.
"You belonged to the Communist Party. I have proof. There are the videos on YouTube, you giving speeches. Ah, well, I'm going to ICE tomorrow. Now I’m the whistleblower and I’m going to put everyone who was talking crap about me in distress," said Destino.
The influencer took the opportunity to address all the Cubans who have criticized him and accused him of receiving funding from the regime of the island to create a supposed cultural bridge by interviewing artists on his show.
"I told all of you that I have nothing, absolutely nothing to lose, because I have nothing to do with that (the Cuban regime). I have no ties to anyone in Cuba, but they decided to attack me and look how beautifully they have set me up now. ICE is paying to have the complaints brought to them. Tomorrow I'm coming for you, Eliécer. I'm coming for you!" said Destino with a threatening laugh.
His statements were sarcastic and playful in tone, but they hinted at a direct threat. The confrontation between Destino and Eliécer Ávila is not a new one.
In the past, the Dominican influencer had already criticized Ávila, a former member of the government-aligned response groups on social media in Cuba, for his alleged political hypocrisy after becoming an opponent and settling in the United States.
The story of Eliécer Ávila is well-known within the Cuban exile community. The young man was educated at UCI and advocated for the revolution on social media. He gained notoriety after publicly confronting the then president of the Parliament, Ricardo Alarcón.
Later, Eliécer led the political project Somos +, first within Cuba and then in exile, actively participating in events and demonstrations against the regime. He has ultimately established himself as one of the critical voices against the Cuban government.
On the other hand, Destino also has an ongoing confrontation with the presenter Alexander Otaola, who has accused him of being funded by the Cuban government.
Otaola believes that the fact Destino left his life in France to settle in Miami with the intention of discussing topics related to Cuban culture and entertainment is proof that he “was hired.” The Dominican YouTuber responded via TikTok: "You are shameless."
Destino strongly denied the accusations, defended his independence, and accused Otaola of trying to link all his critics to the Cuban regime as a way to discredit them. To top it off, he warned him, “You don’t make more money than I do on social media.”
This clash of statements highlights the intensity of the debates within the Cuban exile community, where ideological and personal differences among prominent figures create significant divisions on social media.
While some Cubans in Miami support Destino for standing up to radical figures, others side with Otaola and Eliécer, emphasizing their role as critics of the Cuban regime.
What ICE detentions is Destino referring to?
On March 12, 2025, U.S. authorities arrested a former member of Cuban intelligence for alleged immigration fraud. The arrest was carried out by ICE and the FBI in a residential area of Broward County, Florida.
The individual had fraudulently obtained their legal permanent resident status by concealing their past connection to the intelligence services of the Cuban regime. Although their identity was not disclosed, the release of a video of the arrest and their personal information was anticipated in the following days.
One month later, on April 13, Juana Orquídea Acanda Rodríguez, a 62-year-old former Cuban judge, was deported from the United States, recognized on the island's state television for her "loyalty to the revolution."
The U.S. authorities determined that Acanda lied in her visa process by concealing her active membership in the Communist Party of Cuba. She was detained at Miami airport after entering with an immigrant visa granted through family claims. She was deported after admitting that she provided false information.
From Havana, the former judge stated that her time in the United States was an experience and expressed that "we all have the right to make mistakes."
Finally, on April 14, it was reported that Daniel Morejón García, a 57-year-old Cuban with alleged ties to the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) and the Communist Party of Cuba, was arrested.
The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit of ICE reported that Morejón was arrested at his home in Miami for having concealed his political affiliation and repressive past upon entering the country.
Official documents confirmed that he was a member of the Rapid Response Brigades and president of the Defense Council in Artemisa. He appears in a public database of Cuban repressors, where he is accused of assaulting protesters from the 11J. He is currently in ICE custody awaiting deportation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the conflict between Destino Tolk and Eliécer Ávila
Why did Destino Tolk threaten to reveal information about Eliécer Ávila to ICE?
Destino Tolk threatened to reveal information about Eliécer Ávila to ICE due to a personal and political dispute. Destino claimed to have evidence of Ávila's alleged communist affiliation in Cuba, which could jeopardize his immigration status in the United States.
What is the background of the conflict between Destino and Eliécer Ávila?
The conflict between Destino and Eliécer Ávila dates back to Destino's criticisms of Ávila for his shift in political stance, moving from supporting the Cuban regime to becoming an opponent. Destino questions Ávila's sincerity in his opposition to the regime, while Ávila continues to assert his role as a critic of the Cuban government from exile.
How has this controversy influenced the Cuban community in exile?
The controversy between Destino and Eliécer Ávila has created divisions within the Cuban community in exile. Some support Destino for challenging established figures like Ávila, while others defend Ávila, appreciating his role as an opponent of the Cuban regime. This type of confrontation reflects the ideological and personal tensions that persist in exile.
What role does Alexander Otaola play in this conflict?
Alexander Otaola is another prominent figure in the Cuban exile community who has had confrontations with Destino. Otaola has accused Destino of receiving support from the Cuban regime, which has heightened tensions. Destino has denied these accusations and has accused Otaola of manipulating public opinion to discredit his critics.
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