Cubans protest in Miami against Airlines Connections for alleged fraud: they demand up to $20,000

Dozens of Cubans gathered on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 in front of the offices of Airlines Connections at 3827 Southwest 8th Street, Coral Gables — inside the plaza La Casita Cuban Cuisine — to demand the return of thousands of dollars they claim to have paid for packages of travel, visas and immigration procedures that, according to their testimonies, were never completed. Cuban Newspaper, Univision 23 Miami and Cubita Now documented the scene.

MARGENEZ verified the address, dates of coverage and statements attributable to media and authorities. Accusations of “scam” come from customers; until July 9, 2026 there is no public confirmation of a criminal investigation or formal charges against the agency or its management.

What customers say

According to testimonies collected by local media, many hired packages that included trips to Dominican Republic (Punta Cana) and the management of documentation — visas and procedures — to bring relatives from Cuba. Several claim to have waited months or more than a year without answers clear or refund of money.

A client reported in a viral video that some packages exceeded $20,000, while others were around the $7,000 or $15,000. «We are talking about people with packages of more than 20,000 dollars and they do not give an answer," he said in the material spread on networks, quoted by Cuban Newspaper.

Univision 23 coverage: «Show your face and return the money»

The night of July 9, 2026, Univision 23 Miami published a report in which clients report having paid for tickets, visas and procedures that "were never processed." a man The interviewee said that his trip to the Dominican Republic was scheduled for May 3 and that he was still waiting. Others described arriving at hotels without valid reservations: “When you arrive you don't have any of that.”

The N+ Univision 23 team tried to obtain the agency's version: the calls went to voicemail and, despite seeing employees inside the offices during working hours, no one opened the door or answered questions about the complaints. Coral Gables police reiterated that, until that point, it was a civil case.

What Telemundo 51 Responde had already reported

Weeks before the massive protest, Telemundo 51 Responde had documented similar complaints. In that coverage, Gabriel Fraga, identified as general manager of Airlines Connections stated that so far this year more than 3,500 passengers had traveled "perfectly." Fraga acknowledged that clients have called the police on numerous occasions: "The client for anything, the first thing "What you do is call the police."

Sergeant Alex Escobar, Coral Gables police spokesman, told Telemundo that the agency had been to the agency between 10 and 12 times in the last year for discussions about money, but that it was about civil disputes, not criminal investigations. Miami-Dade County Office of Consumer Protection registered three complaints against the agency for similar reasons.

Telemundo also documented that, when faced with refund requests, the agency offered hotel credits instead to return cash, invoking their no-refund policy. Several clients interviewed rejected that alternative.

BBB and consumer warning signs

The profile of Airlines Connections LLC in the Better Business Bureau (BBB) indicates that the company it is not accredited by that organization. Aggregated reviews and previous reports cite a rating Fand a history of unresolved complaints, although the BBB does not legally determine whether fraud occurred.

In Florida, travel agencies that sell packages are subject to regulation of Seller of Travel Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Before contracting, it is advisable to verify the registration number, read the contract and cancellation policies, and search for complaints on the BBB and at the county consumer office.

Social networks and promotions: what is known and what remains to be verified

Several affected people claim on social media to have found out about the agency through promotions on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook of content creators. In comments on videos about the July 7 protest, references to accounts of influencers who would have recommended Airlines Connections, although those mentions do not come from traditional media.

MARGENEZ verified that the agency maintains an active profile on Instagram — @airlines_connections_ — with promotional reels of packages to Punta Cana and other routes. In one of them, published in March 2024, he offers reservations "with only $99" and includes the Coral Gables address and contact numbers.

This confirms that the agency is actively promoted on networks and that part of the reach was able to reach clients at through creator recommendations. However, in the media coverage consulted (Periódico Cubano, Univision, Telemundo, Cubita Now, Cuba in Miami) none name specific influencers linked to the complaints of July 7.

Nor did any contracts, documented payments or labels appear in the public records reviewed as of July 9, 2026. #ad to test paid commercial deals with specific creators. If an influencer received compensation without disclosing it, FTC guidelines they demand transparency; that is distinct from liability for customer complaints about unfulfilled packages.

What those affected can do

• Gather contracts, receipts, screenshots and communications with the agency.
• File complaint with Miami-Dade Consumer Services.
• Verify the Seller of Travel registration with the FDACS.
• Report misleading advertising to the FTC (ReportFraud) if applicable.
• Consult with an attorney regarding individual or class civil actions; As of July 9, there was no confirmed class action.

Editorial Note: This article describes customer allegations and media reports. It does not constitute legal advice or affirms that a crime has been committed until an authority or court determines it.