Exiles Plan Protest to Demand Cubans Abroad Be Allowed to Return

Activists call for U.S. government to allow boat convoy from Miami to deliver aid to Cuba

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:06am

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Several exile organizations in Miami announced plans for a gathering on March 21 to demand the right of Cubans abroad to return to Cuba and for the U.S. government to allow them to take a boat from Miami carrying aid for dissidents on the island. The protest comes as a leftist convoy named 'Nuestra América' plans to deliver more than 20 tons of food, medicine and solar power equipment to Cuba.

Why it matters

The protest highlights the ongoing tensions between the Cuban government and its exiled citizens, many of whom have been barred from returning to the island due to their political activism. It also reflects the broader humanitarian crisis in Cuba, with widespread blackouts and protests against the communist regime.

The details

The Miami protest will take place at Lummus Park on March 21, the same day the 'Nuestra América' convoy is expected to arrive in Cuba. Activists led by Ramón Saúl Sánchez, president of Movimiento Democracia, are calling for the U.S. government to cut ties with the Cuban regime and support the demonstrations on the island, including by restoring internet access. They also want the U.S. to warn the Cuban government that it will face consequences if it represses the protesters.

  • The protest in Miami is scheduled for March 21, 2026.
  • The 'Nuestra América' convoy is expected to arrive in Cuba on March 21, 2026.

The players

Ramón Saúl Sánchez

President of Movimiento Democracia, an exile organization that has organized flotillas from Miami to support Cubans on the island.

Anamely Ramos

Historian and member of the Observatorio de Derechos Culturales, an activist group that has demanded the right of Cubans abroad to return to the island.

Salomé García

Activist who focuses on publicizing the plight of political prisoners in Cuba.

Norges Rodríguez

Director of YucaByte, an organization that covers censorship and violations of the right to information in Cuba.

Mariela Castro

Daughter of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro and the organizer of the 'Nuestra América' convoy.

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What they’re saying

“We are here to back the people of Cuba who are coming out in massive protests.”

— Ramón Saúl Sánchez, President of Movimiento Democracia (Miami Herald)

“We believe the right to return is as important as the release of political prisoners if we are thinking about real change in Cuba.”

— Anamely Ramos, Historian and member of the Observatorio de Derechos Culturales (el Nuevo Herald)

“Cuba must be rebuilt, and that cannot be done by turning our backs on those of us who left.”

— Anamely Ramos, Historian and member of the Observatorio de Derechos Culturales (el Nuevo Herald)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This protest highlights the ongoing tensions between the Cuban government and its exiled citizens, many of whom have been barred from returning to the island due to their political activism. It also reflects the broader humanitarian crisis in Cuba, with widespread blackouts and protests against the communist regime.