Supreme Court Considers Fate of Docks and Other Assets Seized by Cuba in 1960
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by Ann E. MarimowFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to address cases involving American properties seized by Cuba over six decades ago, with the Trump administration backing lawsuits that could allow Americans to seek compensation for confiscated assets. This legal battle centers on two key cases: one against cruise lines using the Havana Docks Company, whose port was seized in 1960, and another involving Exxon Mobile’s oil and gas assets taken by Fidel Castro's regime. These cases highlight rising tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, as the Trump administration has increased economic pressure on the communist nation.
The Havana Docks Company case began when revolutionaries confiscated the port business at gunpoint in 1960, with no compensation provided. Decades later, the company sued major cruise lines for using the docks after Cuba relaxed tourism rules in 2016. Similarly, Exxon Mobile is seeking compensation for its oil and gas assets seized by the Cuban government. These lawsuits were first authorized by Congress in the 1990s and have gained momentum under the Trump administration.
The outcome of these cases could significantly
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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/23/2026