Havana Rally Demands U.S. Release Maduro After Raid That Killed 32

Tens of thousands of Cubans filled the open-air José Martí Anti-Imperialist plaza across from the U.S. Embassy in Havana on Jan. 16, demanding that the U.S. release former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro after a U.S. operation in Venezuela killed 32 Cuban officers. The government-organized rally came after memorial ceremonies in Havana and across the country marking the return of the remains of those officers.

President Miguel Díaz-Canel spoke to the crowd, condemning the U.S. government and saying the U.S. administration’s actions had opened "the door to an era of barbarism, plunder and neo-fascism." Protesters waved large Cuban flags, sang the national anthem, and chanted anti-imperialist slogans as state and civilian delegations paid public tribute to the dead. The atmosphere combined national mourning with a display of political unity around the government’s demand for Maduro’s release.

The officers were part of Maduro’s security detail and were killed during a Jan. 3 raid on his residence that aimed to seize the former leader and bring him to the U.S. to face drug-trafficking charges. The incident has sharply raised tensions between Havana and Washington, putting Cuba’s diplomatic relations under new strain and prompting an outpouring of official grief and public mobilization.

For Havana residents, the demonstration and accompanying ceremonies matter in practical ways. The rally signaled a period of heightened state rhetoric and visibility for national security issues, and it may translate into more public events, tighter security around diplomatic sites, and sustained media attention on Cuba-Venezuela ties. Families of the fallen officers remain central to the story; the return of remains and nationwide memorials have focused grief and solidarity across neighborhoods and workplaces.

The protest also carries potential consequences for everyday links between Cuba and the United States. Increased tensions can complicate consular services, travel and remittance channels that many families rely on, and they could shape how local officials and community organizations plan public events in the coming weeks. For civic groups and residents in Havana, monitoring official announcements and avoiding demonstration zones will be important for safety and logistics.

This rally marks a new chapter in an already fraught relationship and sets the tone for Cuba’s public and diplomatic response. Expect continued state-organized commemorations, further statements from government leaders, and close attention to any diplomatic moves from Washington that will determine how long heightened tensions persist and how they affect daily life in Cuba.