The Republican congressman Carlos Giménez and the Miami-Dade tax collector, Dariel Fernández, participated in a meeting where they reaffirmed their commitment to halt any economic ties with the Cuban regime from South Florida.
In a video shared on Instagram by Univisión journalist Javier Díaz, Giménez congratulated the local official for the steps taken to sanction the companies that, as reported, operate illegally in Cuba while conducting business in the United States.
"We are talking (...) about the resources he is utilizing to ensure that all those companies operating illegally in business in Cuba cease their operations here," said the congressman, who emphasized that the goal is to enforce federal laws that, for years, some have been "mocking."
Fernández, who a few days ago issued a public warning to businesses trading with Havana, insisted that the time has come to set limits. "It is important to make it clear to all those who are in any way continuously supporting that dictatorship that the time has come to put a stop to it here in South Florida,” he pointed out.
In his official statement, the collector reminded that Florida law is clear, noting that any company that collaborates with the regime may lose its local licenses and be forced to cease operations in the county.
He also announced that he will send letters to the companies identified and will coordinate with state and federal authorities to implement immediate sanctions.
The congresswoman María Elvira Salazar publicly supported the offensive by calling on the State Department and the Treasury to investigate companies suspected of evading sanctions through tourism, logistics, car sales, and deliveries to the island.
"Every dollar that enters Havana strengthens the murderous dictators," warned the legislator on her social media.
This hardening of the rhetoric occurs in a context of increasing pressure from Washington, where the State Department recently warned that Cuba "is not open for business", but rather rigged to benefit the military elite grouped within the GAESA conglomerate.
For Fernández, a Cuban emigrant who arrived in the 90s, the struggle is personal. “No business that profits from the suffering of the Cuban people will operate in Miami-Dade,” he declared.
The stance connects with a segment of the exile community that demands strict measures against those who financially support Havana amidst the economic and social crisis affecting the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about Carlos Giménez's Support for the Offensive Against Cuba-Linked Businesses
What actions is Miami-Dade taking against businesses linked to the Cuban regime?
Miami-Dade is sanctioning companies that operate illegally in Cuba while maintaining businesses in the United States. Firms that collaborate with the regime may lose their local licenses and be forced to cease operations in the county.
Why is it important for Carlos Giménez and Dariel Fernández to stop business dealings with Cuba?
For Giménez and Fernández, these measures aim to prevent any economic benefit to the Cuban regime, which they consider an oppressive dictatorship. They argue that business dealings with Cuba strengthen the ruling elite, not the Cuban people.
What has Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar requested regarding companies linked to Cuba?
María Elvira Salazar has asked the State Department and the Treasury to investigate companies that evade sanctions and operate in sectors such as tourism, logistics, car sales, and deliveries to the island. Her goal is to prevent these companies from providing resources to the Cuban government.
How does this offensive fit into the current context of relations between the United States and Cuba?
The offensive in Miami-Dade occurs in a context of increased pressures from Washington, where it has been noted that Cuba is not open to business and that the regime benefits the military elite. These actions aim to cut the flow of resources that support the Cuban government.
What is Carlos Giménez's stance on remittances and travel to Cuba?
Carlos Giménez has proposed the suspension of flights and remittances to Cuba, arguing that these resources strengthen the regime. He believes that cutting off these sources of income is essential to weaken the repressive capacity of the Cuban government.
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