In Miami, Cuban-American philanthropist Michael B. Fernández is making headlines with his bold actions against local immigration policies.
Fernández, 73, a billionaire who emigrated from Cuba at the age of 12, recently faced unsettling threats, including finding a bag of ground beef with a note stating, “We know you like dogs.”
Such incidents have only fueled his resolve to advocate for immigrant rights, especially in light of the current anti-immigrant climate in the United States.
Since last April, Fernández has been anonymously funding billboards throughout South Florida that criticize local Cuban-American congressmembers and State Secretary Marco Rubio for their stances on immigration.
These billboards feature messages like “deporting immigrants is cruel,” aimed at raising awareness of the harsh treatment faced by immigrants in the region.
After receiving threats, Fernández has decided to come forward, expressing his desire to galvanize support for his cause.
“I hope people know who’s behind it, because up to now, no one knew who was behind it.
I’m sure I will extend the group of donors that I have now that it’s out,” he shared in an interview with EL PAÍS.
He remains uncommitted to revealing the sum he’s invested in the billboards, stating he’s willing to spend millions to support his cause.
“If I have to spend $10, $20, $30 million in this fight in my community, I will spend it,” he asserted.
Fernández reflects on his past as an immigrant losing everything due to a dictatorship, leading him to find a new home in the United States.
He is grateful to his adopted nation, having enlisted in the Army to give back and defend the country he calls home.
“My country means more to me than to many people born in this country because I come from a place that I lost,” he remarked.
The philanthropist sees the current anti-immigrant sentiments, particularly under President Donald Trump’s administration, as a regression from America’s core values.
He condemns the mass deportations and cruel treatments of immigrants, emphasizing that many are law-abiding individuals, often arrested without a criminal record.
“The direction that we’re going as a nation is totally opposite to what the Constitution says, to the way that Americans treated me as a child,” Fernández expressed.
He believes immigrants, including those detained under current policies, deserve compassion and recognition for their contributions to society.
Fernández has a unique perspective as he used to support the Republican Party, contributing significantly to their campaigns.
Yet, for the past decade, he has distanced himself from party politics.
“Right now, I don’t believe in either party.
So I feel that I have to speak only for myself.
And I have the capital to do so,” he remarked.
His billboard campaign reflects his dissatisfaction with both major political parties, which he claims have shifted toward self-serving agendas rather than serving the broader community.
Fernández has primarily focused on replacing three local congressmembers, Mario Díaz-Balart, Carlos Giménez, and María Elvira Salazar, all Republicans.
He believes these representatives have failed to adequately represent the immigrant community and has become an active voice for the change he seeks.
“They’ve had enough time to listen to this community and see with their own eyes the cruelty that they’re not willing to speak against,” he stated.
Recognizing the need for new leadership, Fernández views these representatives as losing their moral compass and succumbing to power dynamics.
He described them as “cowards” for failing to stand against what he perceives as the strongman tactics of President Trump.
Despite past affiliations, Fernández is clear about his lack of party allegiance.
“I am not looking for publicity.
I don’t want it.
I’ve never sought it out,” he emphasized.
He does not advocate for open borders, asserting his identity as an American with a clear set of values.
Fernández’s future plans may involve more direct political engagement.
He has expressed interest in entering politics and intends to identify credible candidates who share his values.
“I think I can help identify people of character, a persona seria who wants to stand up for what is right in our community,” he articulated.
Through his actions, Fernández aims to awaken the South Florida community to the political realities they face.
“I’ve been blessed, in business, in many ways.
I’ve built 32 companies that have been sold primarily to public companies, so money is not an issue for me.
Principles and morals are the issue for me,” he asserted.
His focus on supporting the less fortunate is a driving force behind his efforts, regardless of potential political outcomes.
Fernández remains steadfast in his commitment to advocate for those impacted by harsh immigration policies, dedicating his resources to foster change in a community he feels disconnected from current political representation.
image source from:english