Florida lawmakers angry over Cuban officials touring restricted areas of airport
Florida lawmakers are in an uproar over Cuban officials being given a tour of secure areas at Miami International Airport, prompting concerns about national security. Republican lawmakers, led by Gimenez, have reached out to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA), expressing their dismay over the incident that occurred on Monday at the airport.
The tour, which lasted five hours, included visits to sensitive areas such as a security checkpoint and a baggage screening area at the airport, as reported by CBS News Miami. Gimenez criticized the decision to show Cuban Communist Party agents TSA equipment and procedures, especially considering the large population of Cuban exiles in Miami who had been exiled due to the regime.
Furthermore, the tour coincided with Cuban Independence Day on May 20th, which is a significant date for the Cuban community in Miami. Gimenez emphasized that the timing of the visit, on a day analogous to July 4th in the U.S., was highly insensitive given the history of Cuban oppression.
In a joint letter, lawmakers highlighted that this was not the first instance of Cuban officials being granted tours of U.S. facilities, referencing past visits to the U.S. Coast Guard headquarters and port facilities in North Carolina. They raised concerns about the security implications of allowing individuals from a country listed as a State Sponsor of Terrorism to access secure areas within the U.S. transportation system.
The lawmakers demanded answers from DHS and TSA regarding the authority under which the Cuban officials were invited, the specific areas they accessed, visa issuances, and security protocols in place. In response, DHS stated that it would address congressional inquiries through official channels, while TSA defended its practice of working with countries with direct flights to the U.S. to enhance global aviation security.
TSA clarified that the Cuban officials did not view sensitive technology during the tour but rather received a general overview of security operations and best practices that they could implement in their country. The agency emphasized the importance of collaboration between U.S. and Cuban authorities to ensure the safety of travelers at airports, especially given the proximity and direct flights between the two countries.
However, the tour drew criticism from Democratic lawmakers as well. Rep. Frederica Wilson and Miami-Dade County Mayor Danielle Levine Cava expressed shock and disapproval over the invitation extended to Cuban officials, particularly on Cuban Independence Day. Former Miami International Airport Director Emilio González called for accountability, stating that there was a glaring lack of common sense and security awareness in allowing the tour.
Gimenez, who chairs the subcommittee overseeing TSA, hinted at potential hearings on the matter, raising questions about the implications of similar tours involving other countries in the future. The controversy surrounding the Cuban officials’ visit to Miami International Airport underscores the delicate balance between promoting international collaboration and safeguarding national security interests.
