Mario Díaz-Balart, a U.S. Congressman representing Florida’s 26th District since 2003, recently used his social media platform to comment on human rights issues in Cuba and international counterterrorism measures taken by Costa Rica.
On April 13, 2026, Díaz-Balart posted: “Así es como el régimen castrista devuelve a los presos políticos—su propia gente—demacrados, maltratados y quebrados. Esto es crueldad y una flagrante violación de los derechos humanos. Quien defienda al régimen en Cuba defiende estos abusos. El despiado régimen en Cuba no”. In this tweet, he criticized the Cuban government for its treatment of political prisoners and described such actions as cruelty and clear violations of human rights.
Later that same day, Díaz-Balart turned his attention to developments in Costa Rica. At 22:01 UTC, he wrote: “Aplaudo al presidente @RodrigoChavesR por su liderazgo decisivo al designar al IRGC, Hezbollah, Hamás y los hutíes como organizaciones terroristas. Costa Rica continúa siendo un socio y amigo valioso de Estados Unidos, y un modelo para la región. Otros deberían seguir este”. Just moments later, he reiterated his message in English: “I commend President @RodrigoChavesR for his decisive leadership in designating the IRGC, Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis as terrorist organizations. Costa Rica continues to be a valued friend and partner of the United States and a model for the region. Others should follow”.
Díaz-Balart’s comments reflect ongoing concerns about human rights abuses in Cuba as well as support for international efforts against terrorism. His remarks come at a time when regional cooperation on security is increasingly emphasized by U.S. policymakers.
Díaz-Balart was born in Fort Lauderdale in 1961 and currently resides in Miami. He previously served in both chambers of Florida’s state legislature before entering Congress and holds a BA from the University of South Florida.
