US State Department warns foreign firm over alleged trafficking of seized Cuban assets

The US State Department issued a warning letter to an unnamed foreign company on June 16, alleging it was involved in the trafficking of property confiscated in Cuba. The department said senior executives could face immigration restrictions, quoting Secretary of State Marco Rubio that “a visa is a privilege, not a right.” The warning is part of the Trump administration’s strategy to tighten visa restrictions on actors exploiting expropriated Cuban assets.

In related action, Miami‑Dade County revoked the local business license of Vanguard Energy, which had planned to export 250,000 barrels of fuel to Cuba, following earlier US sanctions against the Cuban state oil firm Cupet. The county’s tax collector described the proposed shipments as support for “the murderous socialist communist dictatorship.” These measures add to recent US sanctions targeting Cuban officials and entities.

The actions reflect heightened US pressure on Cuba through diplomatic, immigration, and economic tools.