Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly criticized a Cuban state-sponsored organization for allegedly promoting "radical left-wing extremism" and seeking "foreign influence" within the United States. Rubio's comments were directed at the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the People (ICAP), which he described as a "vehicle for radical left-wing extremism and subversive foreign influence in the United States and across our hemisphere."

According to Anadolu Agency, Rubio used the US social media platform X to express his concerns, labeling ICAP as the Cuban regime's "premier influence and intelligence front group." He accused the organization of exploiting its global network to spy on Americans, promote anti-Western propaganda, coordinate foreign influence operations, and organize revolutionary leftist movements worldwide.

Rubio also revealed that he had recently imposed sanctions on ICAP and several other Cuban organizations accused of engaging in anti-American activities. Additionally, he announced the termination of the legal status of Carlos Antonio Lloga Dominguez, a former ICAP official, citing his ongoing ties with the organization. Rubio stated that Dominguez's wife and son are currently in federal custody pending removal from the US.

In his statement, Rubio emphasized that the US will not tolerate foreign communists who engage in propaganda, subversive influence operations, or support radical anti-American movements within the country. He warned that any transactions with ICAP could lead to sanctions, prosecution, or deportation.

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott supported Rubio's actions by announcing that three Cuban nationals were apprehended by federal agents following the termination of their legal status. Pigott reiterated that Carlos Antonio Lloga Dominguez and his family are in federal custody pending removal from the United States.