A report from the State Department claims that Cuba has been actively training and funding left-wing activists and dissidents across the United States. The document alleges that the Cuban regime has been involved in cultivating over 10,000 American left-wing activists and supporting dissent, with the capability to organize disruptive demonstrations at military bases and immigration facilities on short notice.
The report's assertions come in the wake of a recent anti-ICE incident in Manhattan, where a former U.S. Army soldier set a fire in front of the agency's New York field office. While not officially linked to Cuba, the article suggests that this violent, left-wing attack aligns with the type of activities Cuba is accused of fostering.
For decades, trips to Cuba have reportedly served as formative experiences for some American activists. Extremists drawn to revolutionary movements have visited the country to learn from the regime. The Venceremos Brigade, for example, brought American students to Cuba, some of whom later became involved in groups like the Weather Underground.
These trips are said to continue, connecting participants with more militant forms of activism. Calla Walsh, described as a former "Brigadista" and co-chair of the National Network on Cuba, later became a spokesperson for the Iranian regime, reportedly declaring "Death to America" in Tehran.
Karen Bass, currently the mayor of Los Angeles, is cited for her past travels to Cuba. As a former Venceremos brigadier, she is noted for advancing causes favorable to the Cuban regime, including calls to lift sanctions. Upon the death of Fidel Castro, she referred to him as "Comandante en Jefe."
Isra Hirsi, daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), is also mentioned for a trip to Havana organized by the People's Forum, an organization that has faced scrutiny for potential ties to the Chinese Communist Party, though it denies wrongdoing. Hasan Piker, a streamer who has expressed admiration for Mao Zedong, also participated in a trip to Cuba that included Hirsi.
The report indicates that some Cuban operatives work through more conventional political and professional channels, including nonprofit institutions and organizations like the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). The DSA has reportedly increased its Cuba-related activism since 2019, sending members to meet with Cuban officials.
The Trump administration has reportedly intensified efforts against what it describes as a communist-influenced network in America. Investigations have reportedly been launched into far-left financier Neville Roy Singham, a major funder of the nonprofit network supporting alleged communist activities, including the People's Forum and Code Pink. Singham has not been charged and denies acting on behalf of the Chinese government. The Justice Department is also seeking the extradition of financier James "Fergie" Chambers from Spain.
Recommendations for action include subpoenaing individuals and organizations named in the State Department's report, probing the nonprofit status of groups such as the People's Forum, Code Pink, the ANSWER Coalition, and the DSA Fund, and enforcing sanctions on Cuba and other regimes. The article also calls for legislation requiring nonprofits to disclose foreign donations.
Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has reportedly commented on a "new and more dangerous version of McCarthysm" in the United States. The article concludes by warning of potential far-left terrorism if the U.S. government does not act against these alleged operations.