Cuban Exiles Demand Justice: Protests Erupt Over Cubamax's Alleged Crimes

Hialeah, Florida, USA - A wave of discontent surged among Cuban exiles in Hialeah, Florida, as they gathered outside Cubamax Travel’s headquarters on July 11, 2025. The protesters raised serious accusations against the company, alleging ties to the Cuban regime and calling for the release of political prisoners on the island. According to Cuba Headlines, demonstrators claimed that Cubamax had supplied batons and resources to quell protests in Cuba back in July 2021, a charge that strikes at the very heart of the ongoing struggle for freedom in the nation.

Cubamax Travel, established in 2001 and operating 13 branches in Florida, has recently become embroiled in controversy. The company opted to suspend its remittance services to Cuba this past April, citing a restructuring process linked to money distribution companies. Interestingly, Cubamax asserted that this move wasn’t prompted by any specific U.S. legislation. However, the timing of their suspension has raised eyebrows, especially considering that it was processing remittances through Orbit S.A., a company closely associated with Cuba’s military conglomerate, GAESA, which was sanctioned by the U.S. government in January of this year.

Connections and Controversies

The ties between Orbit and the Cuban regime run deep. An investigation by journalist Nora Gamez Torres, featured in El Nuevo Herald, revealed that Orbit has been handling remittances to Cuba since March 2023, despite earlier controversies that led to a suspension of remittance services via Western Union. Confidential documents suggest that GAESA secretly controls Orbit, and CIMEX, another of its subsidiaries, has been placed on the U.S. sanctions list due to its military links. According to Havana Times, this relationship remains a sticky point, as remittances through companies like Cubamax may inadvertently support the oppressive Cuban regime.

As remittances to Cuba resumed in March 2023, skepticism lingered over Orbit’s assurance of independence from military affiliations. The U.S. State Department acknowledged concerns about these connections but claimed to have not seen definitive proof, complicating efforts to promote financial support exclusively benefiting the Cuban populace. Amidst this backdrop, protestors in Hialeah have urged U.S. authorities to investigate these connections thoroughly, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Political Implications

The political landscape surrounding Cuba remains fraught with tension. President Donald J. Trump has reinforced a hardline policy against the regime, evident in his signing of a National Security Presidential Memorandum aimed at strengthening U.S. actions toward Cuba. This directive prohibits financial transactions with entities controlled by the military, such as GAESA, ensuring a stringent auditing process for travel-related transactions to Cuba. The White House emphasizes support for the Cuban people through the expansion of internet services and the promotion of free expression—all goals to counteract the political oppression faced by many.

As Trump continues to prioritize human rights and promote a democratic Cuba, the recent protests in Hialeah highlight the palpable tension between U.S. policies and their implications for remittances. Activists contend that changes in this financial support mechanism can significantly influence the lives of those still yearning for freedom within Cuba while holding companies accountable for any indirect support they may provide to the regime. The outcome of these developments remains to be seen, but the people on both sides of the Florida Straits are watching closely.