Federal authorities are investigating an alleged foreign influence campaign by the communist government of Cuba that officials believe is operating inside the United States through activist networks, nonprofit groups and labor organizations. The inquiry, led jointly by the Departments of Justice, State and Treasury, is examining whether American activists and organizations coordinated political advocacy efforts with Cuban diplomatic officials in ways that may violate federal law.

At the center of the investigation is David Ramírez Álvarez, second secretary at the Embassy of Cuba in Washington, who has appeared at events across the country urging activists to lobby lawmakers to lift sanctions, expand trade and remove Cuba from the state sponsors of terrorism list. At a recent gathering in a California union hall, Ramírez Álvarez outlined pending legislation and organizing strategies to pressure Congress, while activists discussed expanding solidarity campaigns, labor coordination and material aid efforts.

Investigators are scrutinizing ties between American groups and the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, an organization founded after the 1959 revolution to manage foreign solidarity efforts. Authorities are also examining funding pipelines and international networks linked to a broader pro-Cuba coalition of organizations spanning labor unions, socialist groups, legal advocacy organizations and activist collectives.

Supporters describe their work as humanitarian and constitutionally protected activism opposing sanctions and supporting engagement with Cuba. Cuban officials deny any wrongdoing and say their diplomats are acting within international law. Federal investigators are working to determine whether the activities amount to protected advocacy or coordinated political action directed by a foreign government.