Rubio Links Cuban Influence to 'Radical' U.S. Protests

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has asserted that Cuba is a key player behind what he describes as "radical" protests occurring within the United States in recent years. Rubio dismissed the notion that these demonstrations are spontaneous, characterizing them instead as financed and organized efforts where Cuba is a central component of a network aimed at undermining the U.S.

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There is nothing spontaneous about this. It is financed. It is organized. And Cuba is part of that network, and in some cases a crucial part of that network.

In an interview with Fox News, Rubio stated, "This is not spontaneous. It is financed. It is organized. And Cuba is part of that network, and in some cases a crucial part of that network." He further elaborated that this network is being weaponized against the U.S., with actors openly discussing plans to leverage it to pressure American lawmakers. Rubio specifically pointed to alleged Cuban involvement in the unrest seen in 2020, as well as a rise in "radical activity."

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It is a network that they will use as a weapon against us, and they talk openly about how they will use that network to pressure U.S. lawmakers.

Rubio drew connections between different protest movements, suggesting a continuity of participants. He claimed that individuals seen during the 2020 protests later became pro-Hamas demonstrators. He also noted their rapid mobilization following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, appearing with pre-printed signs demanding his release outside the courthouse. Additionally, he mentioned their presence protesting against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

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The same people who were seen in the streets in 2020, then turned the tortilla and became pro-Hamas protesters, and they turned it again, and within 48 hours of Maduro's arrest, they already had pre-printed signs in front of the courthouse demanding his release. And then they were there against ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), attacking ICE agents.

Rubio, whose parents were Cuban immigrants, highlighted Cuba's significant capabilities in espionage and influence operations, calling the island nation a "true superpower" in these domains. He cited Cuba's historical success in infiltrating and maintaining spies within the U.S. system over extended periods, even without direct financial compensation. This is not the first time Rubio has accused Cuba of fomenting unrest in the U.S.; he previously suggested in July that the island's government had helped "forge the far-left" in the Americas.

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In terms of espionage and influence operations, it is a true superpower.