Mike Hammer, the Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, recently traveled to Santiago de Cuba as part of his ongoing efforts to support civil society and call for the release of political prisoners on the island. During his visit, Hammer attempted to meet once more with opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer, who is currently imprisoned following what the United States has deemed an "unjust" detention.
In Ferrer's absence, the diplomat met with his wife, Dr. Nelva Ortega, whom he described as a "strong woman committed to her community." Through the embassy's official account on the social network X (formerly Twitter), he reiterated the demand for Ferrer's release and that of other political prisoners like Félix Navarro, using the hashtag #Todos. "José Daniel must be freed, as should all other political prisoners," the embassy declared.
This visit is part of a more active agenda by the U.S. diplomat, who has increased his interactions with dissidents, relatives of political prisoners, and members of the Cuban community since his arrival in Havana in November 2024. On a previous visit, Hammer had met directly with Ferrer following his release from prison, during which he also heard accounts from evangelical pastor Lorenzo Rosales about his politically motivated imprisonment.
On this recent occasion, the diplomat also had an exchange with Estrella Gell, the mother of young political prisoner Iam Gámez Gell, who is currently under house arrest. José Daniel Ferrer, leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), is one of the most recognized opposition figures in the country. According to his statements, the testimonies shared with Hammer aim to highlight the "terrible conditions" faced by political prisoners in Cuban jails.
"We appreciate the solidarity of the U.S. Government, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and their concern for political prisoners," Ferrer stated.
With over 35 years in the foreign service, Mike Hammer assumed his role as Chief of Mission in Havana in November 2024, succeeding Benjamin G. Ziff. Prior to his arrival in Cuba, Hammer played a key role as Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa. During his diplomatic career, he has served as ambassador to Chile and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in addition to holding high-level positions in the State Department and the National Security Council.
Rooted in Latin America—having lived in countries like Honduras, El Salvador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil—Hammer is fluent in Spanish, as well as French and Icelandic, and is renowned for his extensive knowledge of the region. Since his arrival in Cuba, the diplomat has held meetings with prominent dissident figures, such as intellectual Alina Bárbara López Hernández, and activists Berta Soler and Martha Beatriz Roque.
The regime in Havana has accused him of acting like an activist inciting subversion.
Key Questions on U.S. Diplomatic Efforts in Cuba
Why did Mike Hammer visit Santiago de Cuba?
Mike Hammer visited Santiago de Cuba as part of his continuous efforts to support civil society and advocate for the release of political prisoners, including José Daniel Ferrer.
Who is José Daniel Ferrer?
José Daniel Ferrer is the leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) and is a well-known opposition figure in Cuba.
What role has Mike Hammer played in the U.S. foreign service?
Mike Hammer has over 35 years of experience in the foreign service, serving as ambassador to Chile and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, among other significant roles.