The return to Cuba of the diplomatic officials expelled by República Dominicana sparked a wave of mockery and irony on social media this Wednesday, after Miguel Díaz-Canel referred to them as "worthy diplomats" victims of a U.S. conspiracy.
The Cuban leader published a welcome message in which he attributed the expulsion to "Washington's escalation to isolate Cuba" and assured that the ties between both nations "will be reestablished."
The images that accompanied the publication showed the group posing in front of the MINREX building in Havana, in what appears to be an official reception event.
The narrative of the leader, however, did not convince a large segment of Cubans who commented on the publication. Many responded with irony about the reality that awaits those expelled on the island.
“They can be seen expressing their happiness about returning to the homeland. How many beautiful things await them,” wrote one user. Another noted in the same vein: “To enjoy what they defend so fiercely. They are surely waiting for you with a solar panel and a bottle of oil to welcome you.”
The contradiction between the term "dignified" and the fact that they were expelled did not go unnoticed. "I think there is some inconsistency in those three words. If they were so dignified, how is it possible that they were expelled?" questioned a commentator.
Another was more direct: "It wasn't exactly because they were dignified that they were expelled from the Dominican Republic; it was quite the opposite."
Several users openly rejected the official version regarding the reasons for the expulsion. "They were not expelled as part of any escalation by Washington to isolate Cuba. You know very well they were expelled for engaging in activities unrelated to their diplomatic duties during the Central American and Caribbean Games," remarked an internet user. Others were more succinct: "Diplomats or spies?" and "They were spies and security agents."
Some also speculated about the immediate future of those expelled: "And now, where are they going to go? They will surely look for a way to get to the United States; they have gotten used to the good life." Another added, "To suffer here, alongside the people they represented over there."
The background of the case points to alleged intelligence activities during the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo.
Dominican security officials reportedly detected Cuban agents infiltrated in sports facilities, some wearing uniforms from other delegations, with the alleged aim of monitoring athletes and preventing defections. At least five Cuban athletes left the delegation during the games.
On August 13, the Dominican Foreign Ministry notified nine members of the Cuban diplomatic mission that they must leave the country within seven days, invoking Article 9 of the Vienna Convention. Including family members, the measure affected a total of about 21 people.
The Dominican government did not publicly explain the reasons, while the Cuban regime rejected the decision "in the strongest terms" and accused Santo Domingo of succumbing to pressures from Washington.
The expulsion did not involve a formal break in diplomatic relations; the Cuban embassy continued to operate with the remaining staff.
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