The recent political developments in Venezuela highlight the significant role of Marco Rubio, United States Secretary of State and National Security Adviser, in shaping American foreign policy towards Latin America. Rubio, who has long championed a hardline approach against socialist regimes, particularly those tied to Cuba, is now pivotal in the U.S. response to the ongoing crisis under Nicolás Maduro.
Rubio’s deep-seated connections to the Cuban exile community in Miami have profoundly influenced his political trajectory. Growing up, he listened to his grandfather’s stories of Cuban heroes like José Martí and the hardships endured under communism. “I boasted I would someday lead an army of exiles to overthrow Fidel Castro and become president of a free Cuba,” Rubio recounted in his memoir, “An American Son.” This childhood ambition has taken on new meaning as he now navigates the complexities of Venezuelan politics.
Miami’s Cuban Community and Its Political Legacy
The Cuban immigrant community in Miami has long wielded significant influence in American politics, particularly in Florida, a crucial battleground state. The community’s collective memory, shaped by events like the Mariel boatlift in 1980 and the 1996 shootdown of civilian aircraft by Castro’s regime, continues to impact electoral dynamics. Politicians from both parties visit Little Havana, seeking support by promising action on Cuban issues.
Former Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado noted that Rubio embodies the hopes of many Cuban Americans. “Marco has brought to the White House not just the knowledge and the history but how people feel when they have to flee everything they have,” he stated. Friends and allies anticipate that Rubio’s influence may extend beyond Venezuela, potentially impacting Cuba’s future as well. “Make no mistake,” said former Hialeah Mayor Steve Bovo, “a free Caracas should lead to a free Havana.”
Rubio’s political ascent began with his involvement in local politics. After winning a seat on the West Miami commission in 1998, he quickly rose through the ranks of Florida’s legislature, becoming the first Cuban American Speaker of the House. His political career has been deeply intertwined with the struggles of Latin America, particularly as Hugo Chávez rose to power in Venezuela shortly after Rubio’s election.
A Shifting Political Narrative
Rubio has often identified himself as the “son of exiles,” suggesting that his family fled Cuba after Castro’s revolution in 1959. However, this narrative has faced scrutiny, as reports have indicated that his parents arrived in the United States before Castro took power. Despite acknowledging the discrepancies, Rubio maintains that they viewed themselves as exiles, illustrating the complexity of identity within the Cuban-American community.
As Venezuela fell under Chávez’s rule, many Cuban exiles in Miami warned of the dangers of socialism, believing similar political forces could take root in Venezuela. From 2000 to 2010, approximately 70,000 Venezuelans fled Chávez’s government and sought refuge in the U.S., adding to the voices advocating for a tough stance against socialism in the region. Veteran GOP adviser Ana Carbonell emphasized the solidarity shared between Cuban and Venezuelan exiles, stating, “There has never been any separation in solidarity in the call for freedom for Cuba and the call for freedom in Venezuela and Nicaragua as well.”
Rubio’s increased visibility on Venezuelan issues came during his Senate tenure, where he became known for his vocal opposition to Maduro. In 2014, he cosponsored sanctions against the Venezuelan government and delivered a powerful critique of the regime’s violent repression of dissent. “They look more and more like Cuba economically and politically every single day,” Rubio asserted.
Following his unsuccessful bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, Rubio returned to the Senate with renewed focus on Latin America. He emerged as a key advocate for U.S. intervention in Venezuela, often using social media to highlight the country’s humanitarian crisis. His commitment earned him recognition as a leading voice on the Western Hemisphere under the Trump administration.
Despite setbacks during Trump’s first term, including a stalled campaign to oust Maduro, Rubio remained influential. His advocacy for recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s rightful president showcased his continued dedication to regime change. However, when Trump lost the 2020 election, many of Rubio’s efforts were put on hold as Venezuela faced an escalating humanitarian crisis.
According to the United Nations, nearly 8 million people have fled Venezuela since 2014, with over 750,000 seeking refuge in the U.S., many settling in Florida. In response, the Biden administration granted temporary protected status to the majority of Venezuelan refugees, a move that Rubio supported.
Rubio’s long-term vision for Venezuela remains focused on the eventual fall of Maduro’s regime. While he acknowledges his own impatience, he has remained steadfast in his efforts, recently adapting his approach to emphasize combating drug trafficking and countering the influence of Russia and China in the region.
In South Florida, the sentiment among many Cuban Americans is one of optimism regarding a potential shift in American foreign policy. As the tides appear to change in Venezuela, whispers of hope for Cuba’s future have emerged. “If you speak to any Cuban, they’ll tell you Cuba will be next,” Garcia remarked, reflecting the community’s enduring aspirations for freedom.
Rubio himself has voiced concerns about the future of the Cuban government. “If I lived in Havana and I was in the government,” he stated, “I’d be concerned.” As the political landscape in Latin America continues to evolve, Rubio’s role in shaping U.S. policy remains a focal point of interest.
