MIAMI (AP) — Some politicians in Miami are pushing hard to prevent Cuba from ever opening a consulate in the city, saying it would inflame passions among Cuban exiles and pose a security risk.
The Miami Herald reports that the Miami-Dade County Commission could vote later this week on a resolution urging President Barack Obama not to allow a Cuban consulate in the county despite thawing relations between the two countries.
Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado says he would file a lawsuit to stop a consulate from opening in the city. Regalado was born in Cuba and his father was a political prisoner there for two decades.
In contrast, Tampa leaders have been calling for a Cuban consulate to open in that city. Tampa also has a large Cuban-American population.
