The Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer arrived in Miami this Monday after being exiled by the Cuban regime.
The released opponent arrived with his family at Miami International Airport (MIA), as seen in several videos shared on social media.
A large group of supporters and journalists awaited Ferrer's arrival, who ultimately did not exit through the conventional door of the airport due to security reasons.
The opposition leader was welcomed by Cuban-American congressmen Carlos Gimenez and Mario Díaz-Balart, who shared a photo of the reception.
Ferrer will hold a press conference at the Cuban American National Foundation, according to his brother Luis Enrique.
The Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs of the State Department also announced Ferrer's arrival in the U.S.
"The tireless defense of democracy and the well-being of the Cuban people by José Daniel Ferrer is an inspiration. We hope that, from the United States, he continues to defend the rights and freedoms of the Cuban people. We are pleased that he has finally freed himself from the oppression of the regime. Unfortunately, more than 700 political prisoners remain unjustly detained in Cuba. We urge the international community to join us in defending human rights in Cuba," reads a post on X.
Ferrer García left for Miami this Monday, October 13, with his family after a lengthy negotiation process that has resulted in his exile, as confirmed earlier on social media by Luis Enrique Ferrer.
"From Mar Verde prison to Santiago de Cuba airport. My brave brother is exiled. May our Lord accompany them on the flight towards LIBERTY with the purpose of continuing the fight until we achieve the deserved LIBERTY of all our POLITICAL PRISONERS and our beloved land," confirmed Ana Belkis Ferrer, sister of the opposition figure, on social media.
"The Cuban regime has released and exiled José Daniel Ferrer, leader of UNPACU. The opponent is now traveling to Miami, confirmed his family to Martí Noticias," reported journalist Mario J. Pentón on social media as well.
The communicator added that a consular team from the United States Embassy in Cuba accompanied Ferrer and his family amid a significant presence of political police agents.
The arrival of the founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) in the United States marks the end of one of the longest chapters of political persecution on the island, occurring after more than four years of detention and harassment by the regime.
Ferrer’s departure was announced weeks after, in a letter dated September 10, 2025, the opposition leader confirmed his decision to accept exile as a measure to protect his family, amidst increasing pressure from State Security.
In that letter, distributed from prison, he denounced the government's attempts to "discredit the struggle for freedom" and to manipulate his case as part of possible negotiations between Cuba, the United States, and the Catholic Church.
"I am ready to die, but not to live without honor, without dignity," he asserted at that time, describing a landscape of isolation, psychological torture, and political blackmail.
The international community had been following her situation with concern, pointing out the Cuban authorities for systematic human rights violations.
Ferrer’s forced exile symbolizes both the vulnerability of opposition figures within Cuba and the persistence of a struggle that the opposition will now continue from abroad.
His brother Luis Enrique Ferrer García has asked the Cubans in Miami to welcome him.
Minutes after Ferrer boarded the plane that took him and his family to Miami, his brother invited the Cubans to welcome him at Terminal D of Miami International Airport (MIA), where he is expected to arrive around one in the afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Exile of José Daniel Ferrer
Why was José Daniel Ferrer exiled from Cuba?
José Daniel Ferrer was exiled from Cuba by the Cuban regime as a result of a prolonged process of negotiations and international pressures. This measure is part of the Cuban government's strategy to silence its opponents, forcing them to leave the country under the pretext of external requests and diplomatic agreements. Ferrer's exile symbolizes both the vulnerability of opponents in Cuba and their ongoing struggle for freedom from abroad.
How was José Daniel Ferrer's arrival in Miami received?
José Daniel Ferrer was warmly received in Miami by a group of supporters, journalists, and Cuban-American congressmen such as Carlos Gímenez and Mario Díaz-Balart. His arrival was seen as an act of resistance and bravery, being regarded as a "hero" by those who support his cause. The international community and various public figures have expressed their solidarity and support for Ferrer, highlighting his fight for human rights and democracy in Cuba.
What has been José Daniel Ferrer's trajectory in the Cuban opposition?
José Daniel Ferrer has been a prominent opposition leader in Cuba since the 1990s. His activism began with his involvement in the Christian Liberation Movement and the Varela Project. He gained international notoriety during the Black Spring of 2003 when he was imprisoned by the Cuban regime. After his release in 2011, he founded the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), becoming a key figure in the internal dissent. Over the years, Ferrer has faced multiple arrests, smear campaigns, and inhumane prison conditions, always maintaining his commitment to the fight for freedom and human rights on the island.
What does the exile of José Daniel Ferrer represent for the Cuban dissidence?
The exile of José Daniel Ferrer symbolizes the systematic repression of the Cuban regime against opponents and the ongoing struggle for freedom and human rights on the island. Despite the adversities and persecution, Ferrer remains a symbol of resistance for many Cubans both within and outside the country. His forced departure into exile highlights the vulnerability of dissenters in Cuba, but it also strengthens his commitment to continue fighting from abroad for a free and democratic Cuba.
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