Miami Police Chief warns after receiving threats: "The FBI is investigating the Cuban Warrior"

The head of the Miami Police Department, Manuel (Manny) Morales, confirmed at a press conference that the FBI has opened an investigation into the threats made by the propaganda channel Guerrero Cubano, allegedly operated by Cuba's State Security.

Morales declared: "I am not afraid, but I do believe that it is a serious crime for a member of a foreign government to be making threats on social media." He added that the threat against him "could not be clearer; he said that danger is everywhere."

The police chief reported that the case is already in the hands of federal authorities. "We have been in contact with members of the FBI, and they will handle the investigation from this point onward."

Threats arose following his participation on September 13 in the International Conference Save Cuba, where he expressed his views on the role of Cuban law enforcement in the struggle for democracy.

Morales was emphatic: “I have already filed a police report. My officers are working hand in hand with FBI agents. The agency that will primarily investigate will be the FBI. After that, we will speak with the United States Federal Prosecutor's Office to see what is happening.”

Additionally, the police chief emphasized the seriousness of the situation: “Obviously, it is very serious that these individuals in Cuba believe they have the power to threaten a U.S. citizen, especially one who is in public service.”

Deactivate the Guerrero Cubano channel

Morales indicated that the primary objective of the investigation is to disrupt the propaganda channel of the Cuban dictatorship, and that, in the long term, the case will be presented to the state and federal Prosecutor's Office to determine the appropriate charges.

The threats were issued in a video from the Guerrero Cubano channel, where an unidentified voice issued warnings against Morales and against the Cuban opposition leader Orlando Gutiérrez-Boronat, head of the Cuban Democratic Directorate.

"I repeat, save yourselves because right now the life of a single person in that country is not guaranteed," says the voice in the video, referring to the United States. It also mentions the "anti-Cuban mafia" and adds, "The danger is everywhere."

A channel with a history of threats

The profile Guerrero Cubano has repeatedly been accused of promoting slander and harassment against members of the Cuban exile community and dissenters within the island. In the past, both YouTube and Twitter suspended their accounts for violations of policies against hate and violence.

Martí Noticias reported that behind that pseudonym is allegedly Colonel Pedro Orlando Martínez Fernández, head of the Political Directorate of the General Directorate of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) in Cuba. Other sources claim it could be the former spy Antonio Guerrero, which is where the name of the social media profile comes from.

Gutiérrez-Boronat noted that, in his opinion, the channel is "involved in real operations in South Florida." He stated that he has taken personal security measures, but emphasized, "That will not stop my actions for the freedom of Cuba."

Career of the police chief

Manuel Morales joined the Miami Police Department in 1994 after serving four years in the United States Army. He has held positions as a patrol officer, detective, lieutenant, commander, and major.

In February 2022, he was appointed chief of the Miami Police, leading more than 1,300 sworn officers and about 400 civilian employees.

"I believe that the Cuban police recognize in their hearts that their role is not to be a tool of the dictatorship that instills terror and fear. They know they should be the shield of protection for the Cuban community," concluded Morales.

Frequently Asked Questions about the FBI Investigation into Guerrero Cubano