Marc Pearl is president and CEO of the Homeland Security & Defense Business Council.
As a follow up to his historic meeting with Cuban President Raul Castro at the Summit of the Americas, President Obama recently announced the removal of Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism — a move that will pave the way towards reestablishing diplomatic ties between Washington and Havana.
While public opinion polls show that a majority of Americans approve of these actions, a discussion on the security implications that could come as a result of improved relations has been limited. Following the end of Raul’s current term in 2018, Cuba will have its first new president in 59 years whose last name is not Castro. What this means for Cuba’s future is unknown, however, with careful diplomacy and strategic planning, the country could become a vital partner to many of our nation’s homeland security efforts. If we fail to engage with Cuba because of deeply held political differences, we do so, conceivably, at our own peril.
The Caribbean has often been described as America’s third border after Canada and Mexico, and events in this region have a direct impact on our homeland security. Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, and its unique geographic location – only 90 miles south of the Florida coastline – has significant implications to U.S. counternarcotic and anti-trafficking efforts, maritime and border security, airport security, immigration and trade policy, as well as environmental safety.
Given the three-year window left before the major political transition occurs in Cuba, it is imperative that our federal government continue planning for various scenarios that could impact our nation’s security, particularly as they may require both increased government resources and greater cooperation between the two nations.
The Department of Homeland Security has already seen a surge of Cuban emigrants following President Obama’s December announcement. Not only has the Coast Guard interdicted an increased numbers of Cuban migrants at sea, but also a significant number have arrived at ports of entry from the Mexican border or by flying directly to the U.S. via other countries. The current increase is partially due to Cubans who are concerned that improved relations will one day mean the end of our current immigration policy, which allows Cubans who reach U.S. soil, with or without visas, to stay and apply for permanent residency within a year.
In addition to the possibility of a mass migration, there are other homeland security issues to think through and plan. As trade and tourism gradually increase, the Coast Guard will require increased intelligence and detection technology to manage the traffic of both shipments and people coming in and out of Cuba. TSA will need to ensure that proper security measures and screenings are conducted at Cuban airports. If/when trade restrictions are lifted or eased, Cuba could start bringing in state of the art drilling equipment to continue its search for offshore oil development, a move which comes with environmental risks to the Florida coast.
A critical issue of concern is the potential impact of a new Cuban government on the drug trade. Cuba is currently inhospitable to drug traffickers, but if the new government is unstable or has different priorities, its waters and airspace could become a prime gateway for transporting drugs to U.S. destinations. This was a concern that was raised by the Coast Guard, CBP, and U.S. Southern Command in 2012 when the Council took a group of industry executives to the Florida Keys to learn more about current operations and challenges associated with drug interdiction efforts. While no formal agreement exists between the two countries, it may surprise some to know that we share a strong mutual interest in fighting drugs and already cooperate on a case-by-case basis.
Despite our two countries’ political and human rights differences, it is critical that we seize the opportunities associated with improved relations. Now that Cuba has been removed from the state sponsors of terrorism list, broader cooperation on many security issues may be possible in the future through bilateral agreements. Through a combination of diplomacy, planning, and increased resources, we can help guide the future and work to ensure the safety and security of both our countries.
What Cuba means for homeland security
