Entrepreneur Says Communism Is ‘Venom’ After Local Government Supports Cuban Relations

Julio Ortiz holds his book, “Escape From Cuba,” in Woodinville, Wash., on Feb. 14, 2021. Echo Liu/The Epoch Times

WOODINVILLE, Wash.—A Cuban immigrant and entrepreneur described communism as a “venom” that would kill American society. His comments came after members of the Seattle City Council encouraged the Biden administration to strengthen ties with communist Cuba.

Julio Ortiz, 46, is the owner of the Twisted Cuban Cafe & Bar. He immigrated to the United States when he was 24 to escape the future, or lack thereof, under the restrictive communist regime in Cuba.