The deaths of four men aboard a Florida-registered speedboat on February 25, 2026, have shifted the international spotlight toward paramilitary groups operating out of the Sunshine State. What began as a reported “stolen vessel” investigation in the Florida Keys has transformed into a major diplomatic flashpoint involving Auto Defensa del Pueblo (ADP).
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According to reports from Havana and U.S. federal monitors, the incident unfolded as follows:
- The Interception: Cuban Border Guards intercepted a 24-foot Proline speedboat near Villa Clara.
- The Firefight: A lethal exchange of gunfire left four occupants dead, including Michel Ortega Casanova, a U.S. citizen.
- The Seizure: Cuban authorities displayed a “war chest” recovered from the boat, including assault rifles, night-vision technology, and “counterrevolutionary” propaganda.
Florida’s “Anti-Government” Connection
The primary group linked to this mission is Auto Defensa del Pueblo (People’s Self-Defense). Their leader, Amijail Sánchez González, was among those captured during the raid.
| Group/Entity | Key Involvement |
| Auto Defensa del Pueblo | Allegedly organized the mission; leader Sánchez previously posted “martyrdom” videos online. |
| Florida Exile Community | Historically a source of anti-communist sentiment; recent regional shifts have reportedly emboldened more radical factions. |
| U.S. Federal Authorities | Investigating the theft of the vessel from the Keys; emphasizing that this was an unsanctioned, private operation. |
Geopolitical Aftershocks
This clash didn’t happen in a vacuum. It follows a period of intense regional instability, including the 2026 U.S. oil blockade of Cuba. While Florida officials like Marco Rubio have expressed skepticism regarding Havana’s version of events, the presence of heavy weaponry and Florida-based leadership suggests a sophisticated, privately funded attempt at infiltration.
The Big Picture: This incident highlights a resurgence of “direct action” tactics among Florida-based groups who feel that diplomatic and economic pressure on the Cuban government has moved too slowly.
