Protesters in Miami Demand End to U.S. Oil Blockade as Cuba Faces Growing Crisis

Demonstrators call for renewed oil imports to Cuba amid families' struggle to access basic necessities.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Protesters gathered outside Miami International Airport and at Tropical Park to demand that the U.S. government lift its oil blockade on Cuba and end broader economic sanctions on the island nation. The demonstrations come as Cuban families struggle to access basic goods and services due to the month-long oil import restrictions.

Why it matters

The U.S. oil blockade on Cuba has exacerbated an already dire economic situation on the island, with Cubans facing shortages of electricity, transportation, and other essential goods. The protests reflect growing concerns about the humanitarian impact of U.S. policies toward Cuba and calls for a shift in approach.

The details

The protesters, including Cuban-Americans with family on the island, say the oil blockade has made it extremely difficult for Cubans to go about their daily lives. The Trump administration recently eased some sanctions to allow U.S. companies to sell oil to non-governmental entities in Cuba, but demonstrators are calling for a full lifting of all economic restrictions.

  • The oil blockade on Cuba has been in effect for about a month.
  • A protest was held at Tropical Park the day before the airport demonstration, with about 1,000 people gathering to support regime change in Cuba.
  • The Trump administration eased some sanctions this past week, allowing U.S. companies to sell oil to non-governmental entities in Cuba.

The players

Claudia Rodriguez

A Miami resident who has family in Cuba and helped organize the protest at the airport.

Peter Seidman

An organizer of the airport protest who said he would prefer all sanctions on Cuba be lifted.

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What they’re saying

“It's very difficult for them to have electricity, power, or all the things they need to live an everyday life.”

— Claudia Rodriguez (cbsnews.com)

“I think it's none of the business of the U.S. government to tell Cuba what to do.”

— Peter Seidman (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The Trump administration has hinted at a "friendly takeover" of Cuba, but it remains to be seen if further policy changes will be made to address the growing crisis on the island.

The takeaway

The protests in Miami highlight the ongoing tensions and humanitarian concerns surrounding U.S. economic policies toward Cuba, with demonstrators calling for a shift in approach to ease the suffering of the Cuban people.