Cuban Institute Denounces U.S. Accusations Following Detention of Alleged Agent

Cuba's Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) has strongly refuted accusations leveled against it by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which have resulted in the detention of a Cuban national in the United States. ICAP's president, Fernando González, a former member of the Cuban Five intelligence group, accused Rubio of "deliberately" lying and defaming the institute's reputation and legitimacy.

González asserted that Rubio's actions aim to "intimidate and frighten the important solidarity force that supports and accompanies" Cuba. He reaffirmed ICAP's commitment to its 65-year mission of promoting friendly relations worldwide. The institute, described by Washington as a "principal facade organization for the Cuban communist regime's influence and intelligence operations," has been sanctioned by the U.S. State Department.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott announced the detention of three Cuban citizens, including Carlos Antonio Lloga Domínguez, his wife, and son. Pigott alleged that Lloga had worked for over a decade as a "foreign agent of subversion" for ICAP and maintained ties to a "transnational network of communist subversion" during his residency in the U.S. The family is now in federal custody awaiting deportation.

Washington claims ICAP orchestrates a vast intelligence and influence operation involving over 2,000 organizations globally. According to the U.S., ICAP maintains a significant presence in the United States, coordinating with the Cuban government to spread "vile anti-American propaganda" and exert pressure on politicians on behalf of the Cuban government. These actions occur amid broader U.S. pressure on Havana for economic and political reforms.