Cuba

U.S. authorities announced Wednesday they had intercepted more than 600,000 gallons of biodiesel fuel headed for a state importer in Cuba in violation of a de facto Trump administration blockade on the island.

The Trump administration entrusts Cuba's private sector with imports to keep Cubans from starving — but bows to political pressure to discredit Cuban capitalism because conservative exiles call it a front for the communist regime. Private business accounts for as much as 80% of the island's retail activity, but is still labeled a "myth" by exile leaders.

U.S. authorities believe the vessel was employing tactics typical of the "dark fleet"—ships that use deceptive practices to hide unlawful maritime activities.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel accuses the United States of hypocrisy for promoting private enterprise in Cuba while imposing new restrictions on Cuban businesses.

Cuba is facing severe challenges, with blackouts and shortages affecting daily life. Yet classical ballet remains a cherished cultural institution. The National Ballet School in the capital of Havana continues to train young dancers, blending rigorous dance instruction with academics.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla slammed U.S. foreign policy, accusing the Trump administration of carrying out a "ruthless siege" and imposing an illegal "energy blockade" designed to suffocate the island's economy.

The defendant and his co-conspirators ran an alien smuggling organization that charged migrants between $1,500 and $40,000 for transport, occasionally chartering private planes.

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During his speech, Trump declared that his administration is actively pursuing a "fundamental change" in Havana, revealing that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is deeply involved in diplomatic talks with the Cuban government.

COMMENTARY A new Cuba poll should make the U.S. — especially U.S. Cubans — realize that without any democratic past to refer to, Cubans will prioritize economic improvement over political change.

Liexer De La Cruz had spent five years building a life in the United States after crossing almost a dozen countries by car, foot, bus and boat. But in early January, while attending what he thought was a routine hearing on his immigration case, he was forced to choose between deporting himself or staying in the U.S. and risk deportation at any moment. He chose Cuba.

Liexer De La Cruz had spent five years building a life in the United States after crossing almost a dozen countries by car, foot, bus and boat. But in early January, he was forced to choose between deporting himself or staying in the U.S. and risk deportation at any moment. He chose Cuba.